Prediction: Romania vs Bulgaria

Verdict: Romania win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In the midst of what has been a remarkable purple patch, Romania will welcome Bulgaria to Bucharest on Tuesday night.

Romania

Starting with the hosts, making what was an almighty qualifying upset last year as they cruised their way to this summer’s European Championships, Romania are riding what has been an iconic wave of momentum. Storming their way to top spot in Group I last year and remarkably collecting 22 points from their 10 qualifying appearances, Edward Iordanescu’s men have rightfully received plenty of plaudits from across the continent. With the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, Romania will be looking to make another statement of intent here. Signing off their qualifying romp with a 1-0 victory against Switzerland, the Yellows have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 13 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to November 2022.

Team News

Making a January switch to Premier League heavyweights Tottenham during the January transfer window, defensive talisman Radu Dragusin will feature on Tuesday night. Now playing his domestic football with Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid Horatiu Moldovan should earn an 11th senior cap between the sticks.

Spending the season on loan with Serie B outfit Bari, 28-year-old George Puscas will spearhead Romania’s charge in Bucharest. Expected to play a leading role in Germany this summer, Rangers star Ianis Hagi will earn a 34rd international cap here.

Bulgaria

As for the visitors, enduring what was another Euro 24 qualifying nightmare last year, Bulgaria have drastically struggled to find any kind of stability over recent times. Eventually collecting just four points from any of their eight Group G appearances, Ilian Iliev appears to have a real job on his hands. Last seen during March’s international break putting in another downbeat performance as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Azerbaijan, the Lions have mustered just a single win from any of their last 13 matchups across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to November 2022. Likewise, showing a host of defensive issues over the past couple of years, Bulgaria should be bracing themselves for a stern examination in Bucharest.

Team News

Despite suffering Championship play-off final heartbreak with Leeds last month, Ilia Gruev will start at the heart of Bulgaria’s midfield on Tuesday night and will earn a 17th international cap in Bucharest. The duo of Krumovgrad midfielder Serkan Yusein and Slavia Sofia defender Ertan Tombak could make first senior appearances here.

While 23-year-old Martin Minchev might have recorded just a trio of goals during his maiden campaign with Turkish outfit Rizespor, the former Sparta Prague starlet should spearhead Bulgaria’s charge.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Romania and Bulgaria last met for a friendly showdown back in February 2015, Tuesday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate.
• Romania have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 13 straight appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, the Yellows collected 22 points from their 10 Euro 24 qualifying appearances last year.
• Bulgaria have mustered just a single win from any of their last 13 matchups across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to November 2022.
• Aside from a 1-0 victory against Tanzania during March’s international break, Bulgaria have failed to record a clean sheet from any of their last 11 appearances.

Conclusion

Storming their way to this summer’s European Championships and making what was a stunning Group I statement, Romania will be relishing a return to action on Tuesday night. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous 13 straight appearances across all competitions and in the midst of what has become an iconic purple patch, the midweek hosts are rightfully tipped as a standout contender here. Given what has been a huge recent gulf in class, we are expecting a home victory.

Verdict: Romania win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Dachbet