An interesting fixture is on the cards as Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria contend with each other for a place in the second tier of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday, 23 March.
View our free Ireland vs Bulgaria predictions below.
Contents
Ireland vs Bulgaria predictions: Goals expected to flow
Key stats
- Six of the last seven meetings between these teams featured goals at both ends.
- Republic of Ireland are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Bulgaria.
- Ireland conceded first in seven of their last eight games.
Correct score prediction: Ireland 3-1 Bulgaria
Bulgaria suffered a 2-1 home defeat in the first leg of this tie. They have struggled away from home, winning only one of their last 12 away matches in all competitions, stretching back to November 2022.
Keeping in mind that Bulgaria have not beaten Ireland since April 1987, we are backing the hosts to win both legs of this tie.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Ireland are clear favourites
- HOME: 7/10 (1.70) – 58.8%
- DRAW: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
- AWAY: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Republic of Ireland had a disappointing UEFA Nations League campaign, winning only two of six group games and finishing third in League B2.
On the other hand, Bulgaria were second in League C3, two points behind leaders Northern Ireland with a 2-3-1 win-draw-loss record.
While Bulgaria are fighting to return to the second tier of the UEFA Nations League for the first time since the 2020/21 season, Ireland are trying to stay in League B.
That said, Ireland are the expected winners at 7/10 (1.70). Teams with these odds generally have a 58.8% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Ireland vs Bulgaria predictions.
We have also pointed out that six of the last seven meetings between these sides produced goals at both ends. On that note, BTTS – Yes has an appealing look at 6/5 (2.20). That one has a 45.5% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: A one-sided affair
Republic of Ireland have not lost to Bulgaria since April 1987. They are unbeaten in eight clashes between these teams since then (W3, D5).
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
Bulgaria
Rep of Ireland
UEFA Nations League 18/11/20
Rep of Ireland
Bulgaria
UEFA Nations League 03/09/20
Bulgaria
Rep of Ireland
International Match 10/09/19
Rep of Ireland
Bulgaria
Ireland preview: A clean bill of health
Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson will be pleased to have a healthy group of players from which to choose, as Ireland have no injured or suspended players ahead of this encounter.
Predicted lineup: Kelleher (GK), Brady, O'Shea, Collins, Doherty, Johnston, Knight, Cullen, Manning, Parrott & Azaz.
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
W
Bulgaria
1
Rep of Ireland
2
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
W
Bulgaria
1
Rep of Ireland
2
UEFA Nations League B 17/11/24
L
England
5
Rep of Ireland
0
UEFA Nations League B 14/11/24
W
Finland
0
Rep of Ireland
1
UEFA Nations League B 13/10/24
L
Greece
2
Rep of Ireland
0
Bulgaria preview: A return to League B on the cards?
Like their opponents, Bulgaria have no injury concerns ahead of this clash. However, Ilian Iliev's men will need to bring their A-game if they are to stand a chance of earning promotion to League B.
Predicted lineup: Mitov (GK), Nedyalkov, Atanasov, A. Petkov, Nurnberger, Despodov, Gruev, Kraev, Petkov, Krastev & L. Petkov.
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
L
Rep of Ireland
2
Bulgaria
1
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
L
Rep of Ireland
2
Bulgaria
1
UEFA Nations League C 18/11/24
D
Belarus
1
Bulgaria
1
UEFA Nations League C 15/11/24
W
Luxembourg
0
Bulgaria
1
UEFA Nations League C 15/10/24
L
Northern Ireland
5
Bulgaria
0
Player to watch: Vladimir Nikolov
Vladimir Nikolov earned his first cap for Bulgaria after coming on in the 85th minute of the first leg of this tie. With four goals in his last four starts, it will be interesting to see if the Slavia Sofia forward can get his first international goal this weekend.