ROMANIA and Bulgaria used to be two of the dark horse nations in tournaments, but they have gone in opposite directions recently and they meet in a pre-Euro 2024 friendly this week.
Edi Iordanescu's side had an excellent qualifying campaign and were unbeaten in their 10 games on their way to topping a group including Switzerland and Israel.
They missed out on the last Euros, but look well prepared for these finals where they play Ukraine, Belgium and Slovakia in one of the more manageable groups.
That's in stark contrast to a Bulgaria side who are in complete turmoil. They managed to finish bottom of their group and were winless in eight matches.
They haven't qualified for any tournament in 20 years and there were riots from their fans about the Bulgarian FA and the way they run the national team.
They are now managed by Ilian Iliev, who is also in charge of homeland club Cherno More at the same time.
In the March friendlies, Romania drew with Northern Ireland and lost to Colombia while Bulgaria broke their winless run with a win over Tanzania and a draw with Azerbaijan.
How the bookies view it: Romania backed to warm up for Euros with a win
Romania have been cut from an opening 4/5 to 4/7 with bet365, given their qualifying campaigns. Bulgaria have drifted to 6/1 outsiders and the draw is 13/5.
Players to watch: Hagi following in the footsteps of his father
It's not really worked out for Ianis Hagi at Rangers, who was sent on an unsuccessful loan to Alaves in La Liga this season. But the son of Romanian icon Gheorghe is a big player for his country and netted in their last game. He is 10/3 to score anytime with bet365.
Bulgaria captain and top scorer is Kiril Despodov with the PAOK striker having scored 13 goals. He is 9/2 to score anytime with bet365.
Predicted line-ups:
Romania named a 28-man provincial squad for the Euros and all are available.
Bulgaria could hand debuts to Krumovgrad midfielder Serkan Yusein and Slavia Sofia defender Ertan Tombak.
Romania: Moldovan, Burca, Opruț, Dragușin, Rațiu, Stanciu , R Marin, M Marin, Moruțan, Mihaila, Hagi.
Bulgaria: Dyulgerov, Atanasov, Antov, Petkov, Popov, Kostadinov, Iliev, Gruev, Krastev, Kolev, Despodov.
Anything else catch the eye?
Romania really should be viewing this as the perfect way to build some confidence ahead of the Euros against a Bulgaria side who are a shadow of the days of Stoichkov and co..
However, it might not be the massacre their respective campaigns would suggest, with Bulgaria at least ending the qualifiers with a couple of respectable draws against Hungary and Serbia.
Romania weren't that impressive in March, and while they should get the job done, they might have to settle for a low-scoring win here.
Back the hosts to win and under 2.5 goals with bet365 at a decent 9/4 with bet365.
Bulgaria failed to win a single corner in two of their last three competitive matches. So back Romania -2 on the corners handicap at 5/4 with bet365.
This International Friendly match between Romania and Bulgaria will be played on Jun 4, 2024 and kick off at 19:30. Check below for our tipsters best Romania vs Bulgaria prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
