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Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria
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Kick Off: Sunday 23rd March at 19:45
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Competition: UEFA Nations League
With their place in UEFA Nations League Group B on the line, the Republic of Ireland (2-1 up on aggregate) head into the decisive second leg with a narrow advantage following a spirited comeback in the first encounter. The reverse fixture was a bruising affair, full of physicality and tension, with cards flying throughout. With Bulgaria now forced to chase the game, another high-intensity clash is expected.
⭐ Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria Best Bet
Discipline — or lack thereof — was a major talking point in the first leg, and all signs point to another feisty contest. Bulgaria’s matches in the group stage averaged a staggering seven yellow cards per game, with six of their last seven fixtures producing at least six bookings. Their aggressive, high-pressing approach naturally leads to a high card count, and with their survival in Group B at stake, tensions could flare again.
While Ireland’s games tend to be slightly less chaotic, half of their group matches still saw at least five cards. The first leg saw eight yellow cards issued, highlighting the combative nature of this fixture. With everything still in the balance, expect another heated battle.
👕 Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria Predicted XI
🔍 Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria Player to Watch
🟢 Evan Ferguson
Despite being used in a rotational role at Brighton and only coming off the bench in the first leg, Ferguson is expected to start this time around. Ireland may not dominate possession or progress on the offensive, but Ferguson’s ability to create chances makes him a key attacking outlet.
For his club, he averages 2.96 shots per 90 minutes, and he has seamlessly translated that form to international duty, where he averages 2.55 shots per 90. Given his track record, he looks well-placed to register multiple attempts at goal.
📂 Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria Cheat Sheet
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💻 Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria Form and Tactics
Ireland hold the advantage heading into the second leg of their UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off after a 2-1 comeback victory in Plovdiv saw all the goals come before half time. That result extended their unbeaten H2H streak against Bulgaria to eight matches (W3, D5) and put them in pole position to extend their stay in League B for a fifth consecutive cycle. Now back on home soil, where they have never lost to Bulgaria (W3, D4), the Boys in Green will be confident of finishing the job.
However, stringing together consecutive wins has been a challenge for Ireland. They are yet to complete back-to-back victories under Heimir Hallgrímsson and have never done so in the Nations League. In fact, the last time they managed consecutive competitive wins was back in March 2019 – a stat they’ll be eager to put right in this decisive clash.
Bulgaria, meanwhile, must regroup after surrendering their first leg lead amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding manager Ilian Iliev’s future. A return to League B at the second time of asking is still within reach, and they can take confidence from their ability to stay competitive away from home. Only two of their 11 Nations League away matches have been decided by more than one goal (W3, D5, L4), proving they are rarely out of games.
Defensive solidity has been a feature of Bulgaria’s recent away performances in this competition, with clean sheets in four of their last five trips (W2, D2, L1). Their most recent Nations League away victory came in Luxembourg (1-0), but a much tougher test awaits here. They now seek an unprecedented feat: winning successive away matches in the Nations League for the first time ever while also securing back-to-back away victories across all competitions for only the second time since 2016.
With a place in League B at stake, and history bound to be written, this second leg is set up for a tense and hard-fought battle.
🏁 Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria Ref Watch
- Referee: Halil Umut Meler
| Average Cards (Y / R) | 3.74 / 0.09 |
| Fouls Given | 24.43 |
| Penalties | 0.61 |
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