Bulgaria vs Northern Ireland Predictions

• Northern Ireland have won three of their last four to nil
• The visitors were in complete control in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Luxembourg
• Bulgaria have lost three of their last five home games to nil

NI can build on strong start

Northern Ireland kicked off their Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Luxembourg, which was a refreshing change of pace for them in the competition. Manager Michael O’Neill has previously shown little interest in the Nations League, despite the opportunity to boost seeding for qualifying and the potential backdoor for qualifying.

After a tough couple of years without O’Neill at the helm, the manager looks to be rebuilding an ageing side. Like his first spell, the early results were tough to stomach, but 2024 has brought renewed hope with the team winning three of their last four games to nil. The manner of their win on Thursday was also encouraging, suggesting NI can thrive at this level and push for promotion into the Nations League’s second tier.

O’Neill’s side should be confident ahead of Sunday’s visit to Bulgaria. Having won at Scotland and drawn in Romania so far this year, they can thrive at a team that has lost three of their last five home games to nil. Opening their campaign with a 0-0 in Belarus was also a setback, allowing NI to take control of the group with a win this weekend.

Up front NI handed another start to 19-year-old Callum Marshall on Thursday and he had chances to open his account for the senior side. The forward has scored twice for Huddersfield this season and he’s consistently put himself into good positions, so he’s an interesting goalscorer option here.