Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Preview & Prediction

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Bulgaria finished in second place fairly comfortably in Group 3 of League C of the UEFA Nations League as the eastern Europeans face a Republic of Ireland side needing to show some improvement.

Kick-off date/time: Thursday 20th March, 2025: UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 2:45pm / US PT – 11:45am

How to watch on TV: UK – TBC / US – FOX Sports

How to watch online: UK – TBC / US – FOX Sports streaming platforms

Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Prediction

Managing both Cherno More and the Bulgarian national side may well take its toll on Ilian Iliev but it remains the case as ‘Lavovete’ prepare to welcome a Republic of Ireland side still adapting to former Iceland and Jamaica boss Heimir Hallgrimsson to Sofia his week.

The Bulgarians finished second in their group behind Northern Ireland. The hosts come into this one on the back of a 1-1 draw with Belarus at the Vasil Levski during the November international break. They scored just five goals in their six league phase games and have failed to score more than one goal in a game since November 2023, which equates to ten matches.

The Republic of Ireland, with limited personnel and a naturally defensive style of football implemented by Hallgrimsson, will be expected to play a similarly defensive style, albeit with a bit more end product. They were battered by England last time out but not until they had enjoyed doing the double over Finland.

The expectation for this one is a low-scoring encounter, as mentioned, but, despite their deficiencies, it does appear clear that the Irish are favourites for this one.

Bulgaria vs Ireland Tip: Republic of Ireland to win & under 3.5 goals