Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
Kick-off time: 19:45
Venue: National Stadium Vasil Levski, Sofia

Another round of World Cup qualifiers, and this one’s got a bit of edge to it. Bulgaria are desperate for a win — it’s been a long, tough run — while Turkey are licking their wounds after a heavy defeat to Spain.

So, will Bulgaria finally give their fans something to cheer about, or will Turkey get straight back on track? Let’s find out.

Bulgaria vs Turkey Team News

Bulgaria

Let’s be honest — things aren’t looking great for Bulgaria right now. They’re on a seven-game winless run and just got brushed aside 3-0 by Georgia. The fans were frustrated, and you can’t blame them.

The defense has been all over the place lately, leaking 16 goals in their last six games, and the attack hasn’t offered much going forward either — only four goals scored in that stretch.

Coach Ilian Iliev has been trying to shuffle things around, but nothing’s really clicking. He’s likely to stick with Kiril Despodov as the main man out wide. The Ludogorets winger’s got pace and flair, and honestly, he’s one of the few players who looks like making something happen. Expect him to lead the charge again, probably supported by Georgi Rusev and Bozhidar Kraev up top.

The big worry is confidence — you can see it’s missing. And with Turkey coming in hungry for redemption, that’s a dangerous mix.

Turkey

Turkey, on the other hand, were absolutely hammered by Spain — 6-0. Brutal, right? But don’t let that fool you. This is still a strong side with plenty of attacking power.

The best news for them? Baris Yilmaz is back from suspension. He brings that spark and aggression up front they badly missed last time. Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler is also expected to start — and if you’ve watched him lately, you know he’s got that special touch.

Vincenzo Montella’s sticking with his core group: Hakan Calhanoglu to run things in midfield, Ozan Kabak and Merih Demiral at the back, and Cengiz Under on the wing. This team can play fast, technical football, and they’ll be keen to prove that the Spain game was just a one-off.

Likely Lineups

Bulgaria: Naumov; Turitsov, Antov, Hristov, Nedyalkov; Yankov, Karabelyov; Despodov, Kraev, Rusev; Delev

Turkey: Gunok; Celik, Kabak, Demiral, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Under, Guler, Yilmaz; Akturkoglu

Bulgaria vs Turkey Betting Tips

Turkey love to play open football, and Bulgaria’s defence just can’t seem to hold firm for 90 minutes.

Bulgaria will fight — especially in front of their home crowd — but the Turks should have too much quality all over the pitch. With Guler pulling the strings and Calhanoglu dictating the tempo, expect Turkey to create plenty of chances.

Some betting angles worth a look:

• Turkey to win & over 2.5 goals feels strong.
• Arda Guler anytime scorer — he’s in great form.
• Both teams to score – Yes could land if Bulgaria grab a goal on the break.

Bulgaria vs Turkey Match Prediction

I can’t see Bulgaria turning things around just yet. They’ll put in a shift early on, maybe frustrate Turkey for a bit, but once that first goal goes in, the game could open up fast.

Turkey have the pace, the creativity, and the form to control this one. And with players like Yilmaz and Guler hungry to make an impact, you can expect them to push hard from the first whistle.

Match Prediction: Turkey to win. Bet with bet365.

Bulgaria vs Turkey Correct Score Tips & Prediction

You know what? I’m leaning towards a 2-0 Turkey win. Bulgaria might have a few moments, but Turkey’s quality should shine through.

If you’re chasing a higher price, 3-1 Turkey also makes sense — especially if Bulgaria get one late.

Correct Score Prediction: Bulgaria 0-2 Turkey. Bet with bet365.

Bulgaria vs Turkey Over/Under Goals Betting Tips

Let’s look at the numbers.

Turkey’s last six games have seen 3.67 goals per match on average, and five of those matches had three or more goals. Bulgaria’s defence has been leaking goals left and right, so there’s every reason to expect another high-scoring game here.

Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Bulgaria vs Turkey Bet Builder Tip

Here’s a combo I like for Saturday night:

• Turkey to win
• Over 2.5 goals
• Arda Guler anytime scorer
• Both teams to score

That’s your “attacking football special.” It fits perfectly with how I see this one playing out — Turkey dominate, goals flow, and Guler gets his moment.

Bet Builder Tip: Turkey to Win, BTTS Yes, Guler Anytime Scorer. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Bulgaria are winless in their last seven matches (L5, D2).
• Bulgaria have conceded 16 goals in their last six games.
• Turkey have averaged 1.83 goals per match in their last six.
• Five of Turkey’s last six matches featured three or more goals.
• This is the first competitive meeting between Bulgaria and Turkey.

Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

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