Bulgaria vs Luxembourg Prediction: 12/10/2024

Bulgaria has struggled to make an impact on the European stage for several years now. Their qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 was disastrous, finishing last in their group behind Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and even Lithuania without winning a single match in eight attempts. However, the team appears to have found some momentum in the Nations League. After starting with a 0-0 draw against Belarus, Bulgaria managed to secure a win over Northern Ireland, putting them in contention for the top spot in their group. In contrast, Luxembourg had shown notable progress in recent years.

Luxembourg performed well during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, finishing third in their group behind Portugal and Slovakia but ahead of Iceland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Liechtenstein. Since then, however, things have become more challenging for the Red Lions, who have suffered four consecutive defeats across all competitions. They lost 3-0 to both France and Belgium in June, followed by defeats to Northern Ireland (2-0) and Belarus (1-0) in their first two matches of the Nations League.

Bulgaria boasts several players competing in top European leagues, including defenders Antov (Cremonese) and Nürnberger (Darmstadt), and midfielders Chochev (Ludogorets), Krastev (PEC Zwolle), and Kostadinov (APOEL). Their coach also relies on captain and leading scorer Despodov (PAOK Salonika), who has netted 15 goals in 51 appearances. However, they will be without defenders Nedyalkob (Ludogorets, 29 caps) and Hristov (Spezia), midfielders Gruev (Leeds) and Nedelev (Ludogorets, 44 caps), and forward Delev (Ludogorets, 47 caps, 5 goals), all of whom are injured.

For Luxembourg, experienced defender Gerson (98 caps) and important midfielder Olivier Thill (43 caps) are also unavailable. Nevertheless, most of their regular players will be available. The lineup is likely to include goalkeeper Moris (Union Saint-Gilloise, 69 caps), defenders Chanot (Los Angeles FC, 72 caps), Carlson (57 caps), and Jans (106 caps), and midfielders Bohnert (Bastia, 47 caps), Martins (Spartak Moscow, 70 caps), Olesen (Cologne), and Barreiro (Benfica, 58 caps). Up front, Luxembourg will rely on the attacking threats of Sinani (Sankt Pauli, 13 goals in 65 matches) and Gerson Rodrigues (21 goals in 64 matches).

 

Prediction

Luxembourg has struggled in their away games since rejoining the UEFA Nations League, managing only one point from a possible 17 while being outscored 12 goals to three. On the other hand, Bulgaria has won 12 of their last 18 home matches in top competitions, which gives them confidence in overcoming their out-of-form opponents.

Prediction: Bulgaria 1 : 0 Luxembourg