Bulgaria v Northern Ireland: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Michael O'Neill hasn't always spoken in glowing terms about the Nations League, but the Northern Ireland manager now seems bought in on the competition.

Playing in League C - the competition's third tier - allows Northern Ireland to build up some much-needed momentum.

After a 2-0 victory over Luxembourg on Thursday, O'Neill said that his players were starting to get a winning feeling.

However, former Northern Ireland striker and ex-Pirin Blagoevgrad coach Warren Feeney has warned the side to expect a hostile reception in Plovdiv. 

Can O'Neill's young guard withstand the pressure to deliver another victory?

Bulgaria v Northern Ireland betting tips and predictions

Northern Ireland Draw No Bet - 1/1

Northern Ireland produced a dominant display in their victory over Luxembourg, despite relying on two defenders to get their goals. Paddy McNair and Dan Ballard provided the finishes as their young forwards missed a string of chances.

O'Neill is rebuilding the national side, with the core of his Euro 2016 squad retiring from the international scene.

During his spell in club football in England, the side went through a tough transition under Ian Baraclough, which saw them fall out of contention for major tournaments.

After returning to the helm, O'Neill has been left to oversee the introduction of more new players. Like his first spell, the early months were tough and brought plenty of defeats but things have turned around in 2024, with the Ulstermen winning three of their last four games.

While the Bulgarian fans should produce an intense atmosphere for this clash, they have lost three of their last five home games to nil.

The hosts drew 0-0 against Belarus in Hungary in their Nations League opener and they head into Sunday's clash having drawn each of their last four matches.

Northern Ireland have won in Scotland and taken a point away to Romania, so they should be capable of getting a result in Plovdiv.

Given the hosts' streak of draws, Northern Ireland look good on the draw no bet market. 

Ross McCausland to score anytime - 13/2

Rangers man Ross McCausland had a limited role against Luxembourg on Thursday, but he impressed in his 15 minutes off the bench. He had two shots on target in that cameo and that could earn him a starting role for this trip.

The winger scored three times for Rangers in the Premiership last season and he's already been on the scoresheet for them in the League Cup this term.

McCausland looks like the kind of direct winger to thrive in a game like this, where NI will sit a little deeper and hope to break.

Given that he was the biggest threat among Northern Ireland's forward players in their last game, his price of 13/2 to score anytime appeals. 

Paddy McNair to be booked - 11/5

McNair was a surprise scorer on Thursday but the defender picked up three bookings during Northern Ireland's previous qualifying campaign. 

The defender has had limited game time for West Brom this season, but he did commit two fouls in an EFL Cup appearance.

McNair is a good bet to be booked in what should be a testing evening for the visitors' defence.

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Bulgaria v Northern Ireland odds

Bulgaria - 29/20
Draw - 9/4
Northern Ireland - 15/8

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.