Nations League | League C

Nov 18, 2024 at 7.45pm UK

Stadion Vasil Levski

Bulgariavs.Belarus

Match preview

Bulgaria has a two-win, two-draw, one-loss record from their five matches in Group 3 of League C, with eight points, putting them in second place in the table, two points behind leaders Northern Ireland and two ahead of third-placed Belarus.

The Lions got off to a strong start, picking up five points from their first three matches against Belarus, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. However, they then suffered a surprise 5-0 loss away to Northern Ireland last month.

There was a lot riding on Ilian Iliev's side to bounce back against Luxembourg on Friday night. Andrian Kraev scored the only goal of the match, giving them a 1-0 victory and moving them into second spot in the group.

Bulgaria can still finish first and get promoted to League B automatically, but they'd have to beat Belarus and then hope that Northern Ireland lose to Luxembourg on the same night.

The hosts have won five, drawn one and lost three of their previous nine games against Belarus. They haven't beaten Monday's opponents since November 2016, with Belarus winning two of their last three encounters.

Belarus have won one, drawn three and lost one of their five matches in the section, which has left them in third spot in the table, two points behind second-placed Belarus.

If they win on Monday, they'll take second place and a spot in the promotion playoffs. If they draw or lose, though, they'll be in third, four points behind Luxembourg.

Carlos Ferrer's team drew with Northern Ireland and Luxembourg in their two October games, but they lost 2-0 to Northern Ireland on Friday night. That result has dropped them into third place.

At the moment, Belarus will be staying in League C for the next Nations League campaign. They've only lost one of their last five away matches in all competitions, so they'll be feeling pretty confident going into Monday's intriguing battle.

Recent Performance

Bulgaria Nations League form:DWDLW

Bulgaria form (all competitions):DDWDLW

Belarus Nations League form:DWDDL

Belarus form (all competitions):LDWDDL

Team News

Bulgaria didn't have any fitness issues after their match with Luxembourg on Friday night, so it's likely that the same starting XI will take the field for the first whistle here.

Aleksandar Kolev is still waiting for his first international goal, but the 31-year-old is expected to keep his spot in the final third of the field, while Filip Krastev is also set to keep his position.

Kiril Despodov is the captain and top goalscorer in the squad, with 15 goals to his name. The 28-year-old is a sure starter for the home side in this one.

As for Belarus, it looks like Ferrer will stick with the 5-3-2 formation for now. He probably won't make any changes after the Northern Ireland match.

German Barkovsky is still waiting for his first international goal, but the 22-year-old is expected to keep his place in the final third on Monday night.

The most experienced member of the squad is 37-year-old Alyaksandr Martynovich, who'll be playing in his 79th game. There should be another start in defence for Sergey Politevich.

Possible starting lineup

Bulgaria possible starting lineup:

Mitov; Popov, Petrov, Petkov, Nurnberger; Milanov, Panayotov, Kraev, Despodov; Krastev, Kolev

Belarus possible starting lineup:

Lapoukhov; Pigas, Martynovich, Politevich, Zabelin, Pechenin; Yablonskiy, Selyava, Gromyko; Barkovskiy, Shikavka