The UEFA Nations League returns to the fold this weekend with an important set of fixtures as Bulgaria take on a strong Finland side at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. Both teams will want to threaten Wales at the top of Group H and need a victory in this game.
Finland have won three games on the trot after losing the opening game of their UEFA Nations League campaign and hold the upper hand in this game. The Scandinavian outfit has managed three consecutive clean sheets in the competition and will be confident going into this game.
Bulgaria, on the other hand, have endured a dismal UEFA Nations League campaign so far and are yet to win a game in the competition. Bulgaria have scored only one goal in their four games this season and have plenty of work to do ahead of this game.
Bulgaria vs Finland Head-to-Head
Bulgaria have an exceptional historical record against Finland on the international stage and have won seven games out of a total of nine matches against their European rivals. Finland have managed only one victory and will want to improve their record against Bulgaria going into this game.
The previous meeting between these two sides in the UEFA Nations League last month resulted in an emphatic 2-0 victory for Finland. Robert Taylor and Fredrik Jensen scored the goals on the day and will be looking forward to this fixture.
Bulgaria form guide: W-L-L-L-L
Finland form guide: W-W-W-L-W
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Bulgaria vs Finland Team News
Bulgaria
Bulgaria will have to do without Georgi Georgiev, Anton Nedyalkov, Petar Zanev, and Todor Nedelev in this game. The Bulgarians are likely to field an unchanged line-up and will need their experienced players to step up to the plate in this game.
Injured: Georgi Georgiev, Anton Nedyalkov, Petar Zanev, Todor Nedelev
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Finland
Finland will not want to tamper with a winning combination and are unlikely to make drastic changes to their starting combination for this game. The likes of Teemu Pukki and Fredrik Jensen have been excellent for the team and will play a pivotal role in this fixture.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Bulgaria vs Finland Predicted XI
Bulgaria Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martin Lukov; Cicinho, Valentin Antov, Vasil Bozhikov, Strahil Popov; Aleksandar Tsvetkov, Kristiyan Malinov; Dominik Yankov, Georgi Yomov, Spas Delev; Bozhidar Kraev
Finland Predicted XI (4-4-2): Matej Hradecky; Jere Uronen, Paulus Arajuuri, Joona Toivio, Albin Granlund; Robert Taylor, Tim Sparv, Glen Kamara, Pyry Soiri; Fredrik Jensen, Teemu Pukki
Bulgaria vs Finland Prediction
Bulgaria are in desperate need of a victory at the moment and will need to take it up a notch in this game. The home side does have a few talented players at its disposal and will rely on star striker Bozhidar Kraev to guide the team across the finish line this weekend.
Finland have improved as a unit over the past few years and eased past Bulgaria last month. The Scandinavians have an array of attacking talent and are the favourites to win this game.
Prediction: Bulgaria 1-2 Finland
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