Comments and predictions for Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland: Not easy to defeat the away team

The Republic of Ireland travel to Stadion Hristo Botev on Thursday to face Bulgaria in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League play-off, aiming to avoid relegation to League C.

The hosts finished second in League C with nine points from six games, while Ireland finished third in their League B group with six points from six games.

Latest Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland team information

Bulgaria are likely to stick to the same line-up as the draw with Belarus, with goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov protected by centre-back duo Simeon Petrov and Alex Petkov.

Up front, Marin Petkov, Aleksander Kolev and Radoslav Kirilov could continue to start, receiving support from a midfield consisting of Vasil Panayotov, Andrian Kraev and Georgi Milanov.

On the Irish side, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will definitely start, with central defender duo Nathan Collins and Dara O'Shea guarding the goal.

In midfield, Josh Cullen and Jason Knight – who played together in the 2-1 win over Finland on November 14 – could continue to start on Thursday.

Latest expected lineup for Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland

Bulgaria:

Mitov; Popov, S Petrov, A Petkov, Nurnberger; Panayotov, Kraev, Milanov; M Petkov, Kolev, Kirilov

Republic of Ireland:

Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, O'Shea, Brady; Moran, Cullen, Knight, Johnston; Parrott, Ferguson

Latest football commentary on Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland

Bulgaria earned a 1-1 draw against Belarus in their final group game on 18 November, enough to see them leapfrog their opponents and secure second place. Ilian Iliev's side deserve credit for preventing Belarus from creating any real chances.

Despite conceding six goals in the group stage, Bulgaria kept four clean sheets, and five of their six goals conceded came in a 5-0 thrashing by Northern Ireland on 15 October.

Since Iliev took over, Bulgaria have played 12 games and have only conceded more than one goal in one of their last 10. However, their big problem has been their goal-scoring record, with just six goals scored in that time.

Bulgaria's form has been inconsistent, with one win, two draws and one loss in their last five games. They were also held to four consecutive draws before that.

Bulgaria's home record isn't exactly impressive as they are winless in nine of their last 11 games at Stadion Hristo Botev, including four defeats.

On the Republic of Ireland side, coach Heimir Hallgrímsson's team suffered a 0-5 defeat to rivals England in their final Nations League group stage match on November 17. However, it should be noted that the match was still 0-0 when Liam Scales was sent off in the 51st minute.

Ireland conceded 12 goals in the group stage but scored just three, and they failed to find the net in seven of their last 10 games.

Ireland have met Bulgaria three times in their history and are unbeaten, with a win in a friendly in 2019 and two draws in the 2020 Nations League.

Despite losing seven and drawing two of their last 12 games, Ireland have shown some positive signs, winning two of their last four games.

However, their away form has been a major issue, losing six of their last eight away games.

Latest score prediction for Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland

Based on the above football comments, we and the world's leading football sites have given the results of the match.Bulgaria vs Republic of Irelandas follows:

• Sportsmole:Bulgaria 1-1 Republic of Ireland

• WhoScore:Bulgaria 2-1 Republic of Ireland
• Our newspaper predicts:Bulgaria 1-1 Republic of Ireland

When and where to watch Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland live?

To watch live the match between Bulgaria and Republic of Ireland in the Nations League taking place at 1:45 a.m. on March 21, viewers can watch onK+ Sport,K+PMor online sports channels. Wish you have fun watching football.