Lokomotiv Sofia (Home)
- PFC Lokomotiv Sofia currently sit in second place in the Parva Liga Relegation Group with 41 points after 32 games, just a point behind leaders PFK Botev Vratsa on 42.
- Aleksandar Georgiev took over as interim manager in late April and has steered the Lokomotiv through a transition period.
- He has been impressed with his side’s bounce-back ability, particularly in their 3-0 away win over Dobrudzha Dobrich two days ago.
- Lokomotiv have been playing some good soccer, albeit in an identity crisis of sorts since the coaching change.
- Georgiev’s men like to keep it compact, probe and play possession footy, but they are not a team that are built on the off-the-ball pressing.
Botev Vratsa (Away)
- Botev Vratsa have won four, drawn six and lost six of their 16 away games (Average: 0.81 goals scored, 1.06 goals conceded).
- Botev Vratsa are in slightly better form than their hosts with two wins, two draws and a defeat in their last five, but they have shown their ability to grind out wins when they need to.
- Todor Simov, who has been at the helm since September, has a flexible tactical identity that is based on a compact, disciplined low-block that can sit in and frustrate the opposition before counter-attacking with real purpose.
Head-to-Head
Botev Vratsa have won two of their last three away games against Lokomotiv (W2, L1).
Key Players
Lokomotiv’s Spas Delev (4 assists in his last five appearances and eight involvements in team goals) is the creative engine of this team, while Mitchy Ntelo is in great form for Botev (2 goals in last 5) and will be a big threat up front for the visitors.
Betting Insights
- Lokomotiv Sofia are the favourites for this clash at 2.0, while the visitors are outsiders at 3.63 and a draw is 3.35.
- Backing both teams to score at 1.79 is a good bet for this game, as we expect a high-scoring affair given their head-to-head record.
- Botev have lost one of their last three away, drawing two and winning none.
Prediction
We will take the double opportunity on Botev as they have proven their ability to win on Lokomotiv’s turf, having won two of the last three head-to-head away matches.
