Romania welcome Bulgaria for one of their final warm-up matches before heading off to Germany for Euro 2024. Bulgaria failed to qualify for the tournament so this is nothing more than a simple friendly match for them, but a tough one nonetheless.
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Romania vs Bulgaria prediction: Hosts looking to rediscover their good form
Key stats
- Romania are winless in their last two matches
- There have been five red cards in Bulgaria's last 10 games
- Tricolorii went unbeaten during their Euro 2024 qualifying group
Pre-game odds and win probability: Romania tipped to have too much
- Home: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%
- Draw: 27/10 (3.7) – 27%
- Away: 11/2 (6.5) – 15.4%
Romania could certainly be seen as one of the dark horses heading into Euro 2024 based on their qualifying performances, so Bulgaria know they must be at the top of their game to cause an upset. There are 43 places between them in the FIFA rankings and that could well show come kick-off.
This will be a close encounter with Romania looking to get match fitness while also not doing too much and risking their involvement in Euro 2024, so we would back the Tricolorii to win and BTTS – No. This tip may not appeal to you, so be sure to check out our free betting tips page for more inspiration.
Last five H2Hs: Little evidence to go off
Bulgaria have not faced off against this week's opponents since 207 when they were pitted in the same group to qualify for Euro 2008. Romania have not beaten Bulgaria in any of their last five meetings, although things have changed on the pitch for both countries since then.
Romania preview: A chance to get warmed up
Two disappointing results against Northern Ireland and Colombia have seen Romania slip into some bad habits at the worst possible time. They must try and find their form which saw them op their qualifying group or risk being embarrassed on the world stage.
Predicted lineup: Moldovan (GK), Bancu, Burca, Dragusin, Ratiu, Marin, Coman, Stanciu, Cicaldau, Hagi, Alibec
UEFA Nations League C 09/09/24
W
Lithuania
1
Romania
3
UEFA Nations League C 06/09/24
W
Kosovo
0
Romania
3
Euro 2024 02/07/24
L
Netherlands
3
Romania
0
Euro 2024 26/06/24
D
Slovakia
1
Romania
1
Euro 2024 22/06/24
L
Belgium
2
Romania
0
Bulgaria preview: A chance to impress
Bulgaria have been able to pick up some impressive results lately including draws against Hungary and Serbia but with just one win against Tanzania in their last 10, it's no surprise that they aren't going to the Euros this summer.
Predicted lineup: Dyulgerov (GK), Antov, Petkov, Atanasov, Popov, Gruev, Krastev, Kostadinov, Iliev, Despodov, Kolev
Player to watch: Denis Alibec
Despite being 33 years of age and entering into the twilight years of his career for both club and country, Denis Alibec can still be called upon and relied on by the people of Romania to lead the line effectively.
Goals following him around
Alibec scored the winning goal for Romanai the last time they tasted victory against Switzerland. The veteran striker started that game and netted in the 50th minute, so he should be the likely candidate to start this match and at Euro 2024 for the Tricolorii as he looks to shine on one of the biggest stages.
