Lokomotiv Plovdiv
- Lokomotiv have won 9, drawn 4 and lost 4 in their previous 17 Parva Liga home fixtures and, with that record, we feel they are worth some support against Botev Plovdiv 1912 on Monday.
- Dusan Kosic’s pragmatic approach ensures Lokomotiv are always well-organised and tough to break down, particularly when they are up against city rivals Botev.
- Lokomotiv have conceded just 0.94 goals per home game and are a real threat from set-pieces.
Botev Plovdiv
- Botev Plovdiv 1912 are fourth with 46 points and still have a shot at a European berth, but their recent form has been mixed with two wins and three defeats from their last five games.
- Botev are certainly more attack-minded under Baltanov’s watch, which means they have been playing with more style and purpose, although they are more open to the break too.
- Baltanov’s men have averaged 1.41 goals scored and 1.18 conceded per away match this season.
Head-to-Head
- Lokomotiv Plovdiv have not won their last home derby against PFC Botev Plovdiv.
- Plovdiv derbies are always fierce encounters with lots at stake.
Lokomotiv
- Lokomotiv will be well-organized and dangerous on the break if this fixture is balanced.
- Joel Zwarts has bagged three of Lokomotiv’s last five goals.
Botev
- Lokomotiv can always rely on their structure and the work-rate of the whole team, which makes them difficult to beat in tight games such as these.
- Carlos Meotti has three assists in the last 5 games and links with Botev’s experienced and prolific forwards.
Betting Insights
- Botev are slight favourites at 2.09 with the bookies, but Lokomotiv Plovdiv 1936 are not too far behind at 3.66, which seems fair enough given their recent head-to-head advantage and superior record at Lokomotiv’s home stadium.
- However, with the odds-on team averaging 1.41 goals per away match and Lokomotiv, who concede just 0.94 goals per home game, we are taking Under 2.5 goals at 1.74 here.
Prediction
Botev’s away record is fairly balanced with seven wins, three ties and seven losses in 17 Parva Liga contests and we think they can just edge this one, but we’re going to stick to the goal under bet and not get into the match odds.
