Preview
This is, in my opinion, a completely wrong line and a real GIFT. North Macedonia are clear outsiders in this group and, as head coach Milenkovski himself stated, their realistic chances of getting results will come primarily in the matches against Israel and Portugal.
This is also a significantly rejuvenated Macedonian generation, with only a few experienced veterans remaining. Captain Nikola Gjorgiev and Aleksandar Ljaftov are the two main exceptions, and both, together with coach Milenkovski will play their final major championship in the Macedonian jersey. Their experience is valuable, but the overall quality and depth of the current squad are simply not comparable with Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is the reigning Vice World Champions and possess considerably greater quality, experience and depth. In front of what should be a completely packed Arena 8888 in Sofia, I expect them to set the tempo from the opening set and put North Macedonia under constant pressure.
For me, this is a completely wrong line and I am taking it immediately. I expect the market to move significantly and offer much lower points line by Wednesday.