Bulgaria has struggled significantly in their recent away matches, conceding ten goals across their last four games without picking up a single point. In contrast, Northern Ireland has been in strong form at home, winning 10 of their last 14 matches at this level, and impressively keeping six consecutive clean sheets.
During this UEFA Nations League campaign, Northern Ireland has played 16 home games, with 11 of them featuring under 2.5 goals. Similarly, 10 of Bulgaria’s last 12 away matches have also ended with two goals or fewer, suggesting a low-scoring game is likely when these teams meet at Northern Ireland’s home ground.
Excitement has been scarce in Northern Ireland’s recent games, as only three of their last 12 UEFA Nations League matches have seen both teams score. Bulgaria’s away form follows a similar trend, with at least one goalkeeper keeping a clean sheet in 10 of their last 12 away games, further hinting at a likely low-scoring contest.
Prediction
Northern Ireland’s recent matches have tended to be low-scoring affairs, with each of their last five games featuring two goals or fewer as they fight to avoid relegation. Bulgaria, while not facing relegation concerns, has also been involved in several low-scoring games recently, with seven of their last 10 league matches seeing under 2.5 goals.
Prediction: Northern Ireland 0-0 Bulgaria.