Republic of Ireland vs Bulgaria Preview & Prediction | 2024-25 UEFA Nations League | Promotion/Relegation Playoff

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The Republic of Ireland pulled off a surprise turnaround in Bulgaria the other day to mean they come into this second-leg in pole position to remain in League B of the UEFA Nations League.

Kick-off date/time: Sunday 23rd March, 2025: UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 3:45pm / US PT – 12:45pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – FOX Sports

How to watch online: UK – Amazon Prime Video / US – FOX Sports streaming platforms

Republic of Ireland vs Bulgaria Prediction

In the first-leg of this League B/C promotion/relegation playoff in Bulgaria the other day, the Bulgarians took an early lead via Marin Petkov but Ireland managed to turn the game on its head before the break thanks to strikes from Finn Azaz and Matty Doherty.

Following the appointment of former Iceland and Jamaica boss Heimur Hallgrimsson, Ireland have looked to improve defensively and become more of a threat on the counter-attack. They have now managed three victories in their last five matches, with two of those wins involving comebacks away from home.

The Bulgarians, under the management of former Bulgaria international Ilian Iliev, finished second in Group 3 of League C of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League in the autumn, finishing two points behind group winners Northern Ireland, suffering just one defeat, to the Northern Irish, in their six matches.

Ireland, with the one-goal lead, will set up defensively to control and sucker punch Bulgaria. Given that appears well suited to a Hallgrimsson side, as well as being in Dublin, siding with the hosts is the way to go for this one.

Republic of Ireland vs Bulgaria Tip: Republic of Ireland to win & under 3.5 goals