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Northern Ireland and Bulgaria return to action in Group C3 of the UEFA Nations League when they go head-to-head on Tuesday. Both sides are separated by just one point in the table after the first three games and we anticipate an action-packed contest at Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland were guilty of a wasteful display in front of goal as they played out a goalless draw with Belarus on Saturday (12 October) after failing to finish off a plethora of clear-cut chances.
Before that, Michael O'Neill’s men kicked off their Nations League campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Luxembourg on September 5, three days before suffering a 1-0 loss against Bulgaria in Plovdiv.
After two games on the road, Northern Ireland now return to home soil, where they have picked up four wins from their last five games across all competitions and friendlies since October 2023.
Like Tuesday’s hosts, Bulgaria were involved in a share of the spoils at the weekend as they played out a goalless draw with Luxembourg at the Hristo Botev Stadium.
With that result, Ilian Iliev’s men have gone unbeaten in their three Nations League matches so far, picking up two draws and one win while scoring one goal and keeping three clean sheets.
With five points from a possible nine, Bulgaria are currently second in the Group C3 table, level on points with first-placed Belarus and one point above Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- With six wins from the last 10 meetings between the sides, Bulgaria boast a superior record in the history of this fixture.
- Northern Ireland have picked up two wins in that time, while the spoils have been shared on two occasions.
- Bulgaria are on a six-game unbeaten run against O'Neill’s men, claiming five wins and one draw since a 2-0 loss in May 1979.
- Northern Ireland have failed to win 13 of their last 15 Nations League matches, losing eight and claiming five draws.
Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria Prediction
While home advantage gives Northern Ireland a slight upper hand, Bulgaria have been dominant in the history of this fixture and will be backing themselves on Tuesday.
However, we predict both sides will cancel out each other’s efforts and settle for a share of the spoils.
Prediction: Northern Ireland 1-1 Bulgaria
Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria Betting Tips.
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals - No (There have been fewer than three goals scored in Bulgaria’s last seven games, including friendly matches)
Tip 3: Over 10.5 corners - No (There have also been fewer than 11 corner kicks in the visitors’ last five outings including friendlies)
