Nations League
Mar 23, 2025 7.45pm
2
1
HT : 0 1
FT Aviva Stadium
  • Mikey Johnston 40' yellowcard
  • Jason Knight 44' yellowcard
  • Evan Ferguson 63' goal
  • Adam Idah 84' goal
  • Nathan Collins 90'+2' yellowcard
  • goal Valentin Antov 30'
  • yellowcard Simeon Petrov 32'
  • yellowcard Ilia Gruev 84'
  • yellowcard Vladimir Nikolov 90'+2'

Republic of Ireland vs. Bulgaria team news: Starting lineups confirmed for UEFA Nations League game

Republic of Ireland, Bulgaria starting lineups confirmed for Nations League game

Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria have announced their starting lineups for Sunday's fixture in the UEFA Nations League.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's head into the second leg of their playoff tie holding a 2-1 advantage from the contest in Sofia three days ago.

Rather than stick with the team that were successful on that occasion, Hallgrimsson has opted to make two alterations to his first XI.

Everton defender Jake O'Brien and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson - currently on loan at West Ham United - are the players to come into the team.

Dara O'Shea and Ryan Manning are the duo to miss out as Republic of Ireland attempt to retain their place in League B.

How many changes have Bulgaria made?

Meanwhile, Bulgaria boss Ilian Iliev has made numerous changes to his starting lineup, including needing to replace goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov with Plamen Illiev.

There is also an alteration at right-back with Nikolay Minkov being selected ahead of Zhivko Atanasov, while Valentin Anton is another player to be introduced into the side.

In attack, Bozhidar Kraev has been handed an opportunity to add to his three goals in 25 outings for his country, Filip Krastev dropping out of the team.

Republic of Ireland XI: Kelleher; Doherty, O'Brien, Collins, Brady; Knight, Cullen; Johnston, Azaz, Parrott; Ferguson

Bulgaria XI: Iliev; Minkov, Petrov, Nedyalkov, Nurnberger; Antov, Gruev; Despodov, Milanov, Petkov; Kraev

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POLL
Who will win Sunday's Nations League clash between Rep. Ireland and Bulgaria?
Republic of Ireland 87%
Draw 10%
Bulgaria 3%
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