CSKA Sofia (home)
- PFC CSKA have been much better in the league away from home and will head into the match in Sofia full of confidence after their superb comeback to beat Ludogorets 2 - 1 in the second leg of their Cup semi-final.
- CSKA are a more pragmatic club who like to stay compact and disciplined in a midfield block, usually looking for quick verticality rather than patient build-up play.
- They have a strong away record, but have been more vulnerable at home, where they were beaten 3 - 1 in their derby with Levski last month.
Ludogorets Razgrad (away)
- Ludogorets have racked up around 60 points in the Championship Group, while the Sofia-based CSKA have around 56 points.
- Ludogorets, playing with an attacking, possession-based system, are a fast and intense pressing team that are usually on the front foot, although they can be counter-attacked if the ball is turned over in wide areas.
- Stanić is their star player, one of the top scorers in this season’s Europa League and a great orchestrator of their fast transitions from midfield.
Head-to-Head
Ludogorets Razgrad won the March league meeting, but CSKA Sofia knocked them out of the Bulgarian Cup in the last round.
Key Players
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Key names to watch:
- Stanić is one of the top scorers in this season’s Europa League and a great orchestrator of Ludogorets’ fast transitions from midfield.
- Leandro Godoy has been their go-to guy in big games, delivering crucial goals to secure their place in the final.
- Ioannis Pittas came off the bench to grab a late strike in the return leg and has a knack of delivering in big matches.
- Rwan Cruz, a regular penalty taker and excellent finisher for Ludogorets, is a doubt after picking up an injury in the Cup tie.
- Kwadwo Duah is a reliable goal scorer who notched against CSKA in both March and April.
Betting Insights
- Ludogorets are the slight favorites at 2.52, with CSKA at 2.71 with the bookmakers.
- Under 2.5 goals is priced at 1.69, which seems a fair price for a cagey Championship Group clash.
- Under 2.5 goals is the recommendation as Ludogorets have the quality to win this, but have dropped points in both of their last two games in the top-four phase.
Prediction
- Backing either team for a draw or a narrow win looks the best approach as both carry the psychological scar of their recent cup meetings into this clash.
- Consider the Under 2.5 angle given the cagey nature of recent encounters and the tactical styles on show.
