As Bulgaria prepare to host the Republic of Ireland in a crucial World Cup qualifier, they have been boosted by the return of three attacking stars.
Dimitar Berbatov, Martin Petrov, and Valeri Bojinov all missed the 1-1 draw back in April in Croke Park, but the Premier League-based trio should feature in Saturday's match.
The general feeling is that manager Stanimir Stoilov will adopt a 4-3-3 system that would see Berbatov play in the central role of that attacking triangle with Petrov and Bojinov flanking him on either side.
While Berbatov has more than his fair share of critics, there is no denying the damage that he can cause when at his best. He finished his first season with Manchester United with nine goals and ten assists in the league, which is a decent return for someone that has been accused of not contributing enough.
The lack of pace (and sometimes effort) of the moody frontman can frustrate fans, but what it allows him to do on the pitch is to lure defenders out of their comfort zone and expose gaps in behind them.
Petrov, in particular, would thrive on balls in behind the full-backs, while Bojinov prefers to attack with the ball at his feet. Nevertheless, the unorthodox styles of the three attackers will pose some serious questions to the Irish defence.
On the plus side for Ireland, both Petrov and Bojinov have not played much football this season due to injury. In fact, Bojinov has not even completed a full 90 minutes for Manchester City.
This could work to the advantage of Giovanni Trapattoni's side, who should be fresh after two weeks training and a friendly match against Bulgaria.
It will be a massive task for them to escape from Sofia with the three points, but if they were to do just that then they would ruin Bulgaria's chances of qualifying from Group 8.
There is no doubt that this is by far the most important game of the group yet. If Ireland are to keep the pressure on group leaders Italy, then they need to get a result from this game.
For Bulgaria, they simply need to win. With Berbatov, Petrov, and Bojinov back, they will be a lot more confident of playing their own way and picking up the victory that they need - but so much depends on those three.