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The Republic of Ireland takes on Bulgaria in the Hristo Botev Stadium for the first leg of their UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation playoff this Thursday.
Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Betting Tips
- Ireland to win or draw – 2/5
- No in Both Teams to Score – 4/6
- Under 2.5 goals – 4/6
Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Odds
Check out our latest odds for the Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland clash. All odds are provided by our recommended bookmakers and are subject to change.
Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Predictions
The Republic of Ireland returns to action in a two-legged UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation tie against Bulgaria. The first leg is an away fixture in Plovdiv, while the second leg will be played at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.
With plenty at stake, the outcome could see Ireland relegated to League C if they fail to deliver. Conversely, Bulgaria will be hoping to move up from League C to B at Ireland’s expense.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad is looking to rebound after a disappointing 5-0 defeat to England in November. Ireland finished third in League B, earning just six points from six games. Meanwhile, Bulgaria secured their spot in this playoff after a 1-1 draw with Belarus, which placed them second in their League C group with nine points from six games.
Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Betting Tips
Heimir Hallgrimsson is determined to keep Ireland in League B, and that means they’ll need a result against Bulgaria over two legs. Here’s what we recommend for Thursday’s first leg:
1. Ireland to win or draw – 2/5
Bulgaria’s manager, Ilian Iliev, recently tendered his resignation after clashes about managing both his national team duties and his domestic club, Cherno More. Despite his offer to leave, the Bulgarian Football Federation opted to retain his services. Under Iliev, Bulgaria’s defense has tightened, conceding just six goals in six matches – five of which came against Northern Ireland in one game.
While Bulgaria’s defense is solid, their goal-scoring record leaves much to be desired. They scored just three goals throughout the Nations League campaign. Ireland, with their superior quality, should at least manage a draw in this match.
➡️ Back the Republic of Ireland to win or draw at 2/5
2. No in Both Teams to Score – 4/6
Both teams found the net in only one of Bulgaria’s six Nations League matches, as the side managed just three goals and conceded six. Likewise, Ireland saw both teams score in just one of their games, netting only three times while conceding 11 goals, five of which came in one match.
Given these stats, backing both teams not to score seems a solid option.
➡️ Back No in Both Teams to Score at 4/6
3. Under 2.5 Goals – 1/2
This match is shaping up to be a low-scoring affair. With neither team showing much prowess in front of goal, backing under 2.5 goals seems like a safe bet.
Both Ilian Iliev and Heimir Hallgrimsson will likely focus on keeping things tight at the back. Neither side will want to take too many risks with the tie poised to head to Dublin for the second leg.
➡️ Back Under 2.5 Goals at 1/2
📺 How to Watch Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland
- Location: Hristo Botev Stadium, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Date & Time: Thursday, 20th March, 7:45 PM GMT
- How to Watch: RTE 2
18+ only. All betting odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. For more information, visit GambleAware.org.
