Republic of Ireland vs Bulgaria: Predictions, Previews and Team News

Croke Park, Saturday, 28 March

The New Football Pools Pundits' Predictions:
John Barnes: Home
Tony Cascarino: Home
Graham Poll: Home

OPTA Facts

Bulgaria have never managed to beat Ireland at home, drawing twice and losing twice.

In their seven meetings, the away side has never won, and the score at half-time has either been 0-0 or 1-0 to the hosts.

Robbie Keane has scored Ireland’s last three World Cup qualifying goals.

So far the Irish are unbeaten in World Cup 2010 qualifying, winning three and drawing one.

Bulgaria have drawn all three of their qualifying matches so far.

Ireland are unbeaten in competitive internationals at home since September 2005 when they lost 1-0 to France.

Republic of Ireland team news:

Damien Duff has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy through injury.

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The midfielder, 30, returned to Newcastle on Thursday for treatment after damaging a hamstring in training and has been told he will be sidelined for eight to 10 days.

His absence is a major blow for the Irish as Duff had returned to impressive form in recent games after a long injury-affected spell.

Stephen Hunt will replace Duff in the starting line-up while former Arsenal striker Anthony Stokes has been called up to the squad.

Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni faces further bad news with star winger Aiden McGeady in a race to get fit in time for the game in Dublin tomorrow. The Celtic man took only a limited part in training on Thursday and faces a fitness test this afternoon.

Wolves midfield Andy Keogh is in line to come into the team if he is ruled out.

Trapattoni is already minus defender Steve Finnan, who misses out because of a hamstring injury.

The Irish received better news with goalkeeper Shay Given declared fit for the tie.

Ireland will be looking to preserve their unbeaten home record against Bulgaria. They have notched up two victories and two draws in four home clashes against the Eastern Europeans.

The Irish are undefeated so far in World Cup 2010 qualifying, winning three and drawing one.

But they face a stern test when they take on Group Eight leaders Italy in Bari four days after the Bulgaria game.

The Italians are ahead of Trapattoni's team on goal difference with both teams locked on 10 points after four games.

Betting odds (Sporting bet)
Republic of Ireland win: 4/5
Draw: 9/4
Bulgaria win: 16/5
Robbie Keane first scorer: 9/2

Asian Handicap

Ireland vs Bulgaria

0 : 1/2

Over / Under 2

( Mirror )