Our betting expert has three Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland tips for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League match at Hristo Botev Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm). Scroll down for the analysis behind his selections.
By Luke Weaser-Seychell
- Bulgaria to win @ 11/5 with bet365
- Over 2.5 goals @ 13/8 with bet365
- Bet Builder – Half Time/Full Time – Bulgaria/Bulgaria & Bulgaria to win by two or more goals @ 43/1 with bet365
Irish poor on the road
If the Republic of Ireland are to get back to playing major tournament football, they need to improve significantly away from the home comforts of Dublin and the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland have managed to win just three of their last 12 away games and those victories came against Finland, Gibraltar and Malta.
What has been the major issue for Heimir Hallgrimsson and his side has been a lack of goals on the road, as the Irish have failed to find the back of the net in four of their last five away games.
Bulgaria are unbeaten in their last four home matches and they look capable of adding to Ireland’s woes on the road with a victory for the hosts expected on Thursday.
- Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Tip 1: Bulgaria to win @ 11/5 with bet365
Goals could be on the cards in Plovdiv
The Republic of Ireland suffered a 5-0 defeat to England at Wembley in their last game, with the Three Lions winning at a canter in London.
Ireland did have Liam Scales sent off in that game in the 51st minute and England made it look easy with their numerical advantage.
Conceding 11 goals across their last four away games, Ireland have looked defensively frail on their travels and going with over 2.5 total goals to be scored at Hristo Botev Stadium appeals in this one on Thursday.
- Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals @ 13/8 with bet365
Bulgaria can lead from the front
It was October 16th 2023 the last time the Republic of Ireland scored a first-half away goal, against minnows Gibraltar, which suggests Bulgaria are good value to be leading at the break in this one.
Bulgaria boss Ilian Iliev, who has been with the national side since taking on the role in November 2023, has helped the Lions become a team that hits the ground running in games.
Scoring in the first half in their last two matches, which includes a 12th-minute opener from Vasil Panayotov against Belarus last time out, Bulgaria will look to pile the pressure on the Republic of Ireland from the off.
Looking at an attractive bet builder option, Bulgaria are good value to be leading at both the half-time and full-time whistle, while also beating Ireland by two or more goals.
We’ve established Ireland’s form in front of goal and defending when on their travels and this could prove to be a game Bulgaria will win comfortably in Plovdiv.
- Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Tip 3: Bet Builder – Half Time/Full Time – Bulgaria/Bulgaria & Bulgaria to win by two or more goals @ 43/1 with bet365
