Northern Ireland plays host to Bulgaria Wednesday night in a friendly match, in which the teams that both came short of qualifying for Euro 2008 would be able to test their skills before the World Cup qualification process begins.

Plamen Markov, who is again in charge of the Bulgarian national team after replacing Dimitar Penev last month, has chosen a 4-5-1 formation for his team, counting only on top striker Dimitar Berbatov to terrorise Irish defenders.

At Windsor Park, Bulgaria will be without Aston Villa midfielder Stilian Petrov, who has picked up a concussion in his club's last match against Fulham, and Manchester City striker Valery Bojinov, who is still recovering from a knee injury.

Despite the defensive formation, Bulgaria is said to be a favourite in the match, with football experts claiming that Irish players would do well to experience Bulgaria's tactical football before the World Cup qualifications.

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