The Nations League resumes this week with some key play-off fixtures including Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland.
The Boys in Green are looking to keep their place in League B, while Bulgaria hope to escape League C. This two-legged tie begins in Plovdiv on Thursday, before the return fixture in Dublin on Sunday.
Our tipster Shane O’Brien has run the rule over the two sides and come up with three top tips. COYBIG!
Ireland vs Bulgaria betting tips
Republic of Ireland to have a headed shot on target & commit 9 fouls
Nathan Collins to have a headed shot on target
Troy Parrott to score any time
WHEN: Thursday, 20th of March, 7.45pm
WHERE: Stadion Hristo Bobev, Plovdiv
TV: Prime Video
Ireland 1+ headed shot on target & commit 9+ fouls
Ireland and Bulgaria represent two teams in disarray, with Ireland staring at potential relegation to the third tier of the Nations League and Bulgaria entering this two-legged play-off without their manager following the resignation of Iliyan Iliev two weeks ago.
The sides last met in the same competition five years ago, playing out two extremely forgettable draws in one of the lowest-scoring groups in the history of association football.
Ireland drew 1-1 in the away leg of that particular Nations League campaign thanks to a late Shane Duffy header and it would be no great surprise if they found joy from the same avenue on Thursday. Ireland are not exactly renowned for their attacking prowess and will almost certainly rely on set pieces to an extent if they are to survive in League B.
Ireland were also fairly foul-happy during their Nations League campaign last autumn, averaging 11.5 fouls per game in six outings against England, Greece and Finland.
Considering the trip to Bulgaria has the fairly weighty implication of a potential relegation to League C, Ireland are likely to be just as foul-happy in this game. There is every chance that they will land at least one header on target and commit at least nine fouls.
Nathan Collins to have a headed shot on target
With Duffy not in the squad for the trip to Bulgaria, Nathan Collins represents the next most likely candidate in green to find the target with a header.
The towering 6 ft 4 Brentford centre-back will be one of Ireland’s main threats from set pieces and is excellent value to plant an effort on target at some point.
Collins has actually scored both of his Ireland goals to date with his feet, but he has showcased plenty of threat from the air while wearing the green jersey, most notably drawing a stunning save from Mike Maignan in a 1-0 defeat against France in March 2023.
Troy Parrott to score any time
Troy Parrott has gone a long way towards turning his career around following a series of disappointing loan spells during his time at Tottenham.
Parrott is currently flourishing at AZ Alkmaar, where he has scored 17 times in 41 games this season, and has re-emerged as one of Ireland’s most promising attackers after appearing to fail to reach his potential.
Parrott is also currently a far more reliable goalscorer than Evan Ferguson, a scenario few could have envisaged when Ferguson appeared to be establishing himself as the next big thing in the Premier League.
He has scored five goals for Ireland since making his debut in 2019, unironically making him one of the best goalscorers at Heimer Hallgrimsson’s disposal. He is decent value to find the back of the net in Bulgaria.
All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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