UEFA Nations League

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Nations League | Playoffs B/C | 2nd Leg

Mar 23, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

Aviva Stadium

Rep. Ireland
2 - 1
Bulgaria

(Republic of Ireland win 4-2 on aggregate)

Ferguson (63'), Idah (84')
Johnston (40'), Knight (44'), Collins (90+2')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Antov (30')
Petrov (32'), Gruev (84'), Nikolov (90+2')

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

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: March 23 2025 | 18:42

Last updated: March 23 2025 | 21:22

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

Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria announce their starting lineups for the second leg of their UEFA Nations League playoff in Dublin.

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.

Bulgaria head coach Iliyan Iliev on September 2, 2024 © Imago

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