Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria: Nations League prediction, tips and bet builder as goals go flying in

Nations League glory awaits the Republic of Ireland on Sunday if they can protect their 2-1 lead against Bulgaria.

Though the odds look heavily stacked in their favour, the visitors have more to offer and should play better in the second leg.

Sunday’s Nations League bet builder is priced at 4/1 at the time of writing.

 

Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria bet builder

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals

Nathan Collins: Over 0.5 shots

 

Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria betting tips

Ireland secured a 2-1 win in the first leg, with defender Matt Doherty scoring the decisive goal. Their defence has been instrumental in their recent success, with defenders contributing significantly to their goals.

Despite their loss in the first leg, Bulgaria has a dynamic attacking line that could trouble Ireland's defense. The visitors may take a more aggressive approach in the second leg, particularly if Ireland focuses on maintaining their lead.

Ireland's first-leg win was the first time the away side has ever won in this fixture. It was a result of their dominance throughout the match, despite conceding an early goal. Bulgaria struggled to create scoring chances and didn't make their possession count in the second half.

Ireland were content to defend their lead and used set pieces to create chances. While Ireland's manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, has expressed his desire for a less passive approach, Bulgaria will likely force them to defend deeper. Given Bulgaria's attacking potential and their need to score, they can be expected to find the net.

Considering Bulgaria's attacking capabilities and their need to overturn the deficit, betting on them to score seems wise.

Given that both teams have shown attacking intent and defensive vulnerabilities, a both teams to score bet could be a good option.

If Bulgaria adopts a more attacking approach, the match could see more goals, making the over 2.5 goals market an attractive proposition.

Ireland have built a habit of being such a threat from set pieces, with six defenders scoring in their last eight Nations League fixtures.

They continued their tradition of headed goals in Bulgaria on Sunday, as Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty headed home.

Nathan Collins had two opportunities to add to that tall from a corner but could only head wide. We'll back him to have another go on Sunday.

 

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