Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Astana and Ludogorets face each other at Astana Arena in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round. Astana failed to impress in the Champions League double-header with Dinamo Zagreb and they face yet another tough challenge against Ludogorets. Aleksa Amanovic is a major doubt after limping off with injury in the 2-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb, with experienced midfielder Timur Dosmagambetov being ready to step up.
The Bulgarians, on the other hand, aim to build on a splendid 5-0 win over Botev Vratsa in the national championship and given their attacking potential, both teams to score betting option should be considered. Spain midfielder Son misses out through suspension, but there are no fresh injury worries in the visiting team ahead of the trip to Kazakhstan. It has to be noted the two clubs have never met before in the Europa League.
Highlighted Team (Ludogorets):
Bulgarian football club PFC Ludogorets Razgrad, commonly referred to as Eagles, compete at the Ludogorets Arena with the capacity of 8,000. PFC Ludogorets Razgrad are owned by Kiril Domuschiev, who made it his personal goal to propel the club to domestic and international success and to hold up the Bulgarian flag high with nation’s biggest clubs Levski and CSKA going through turbulent times.
Having seen their stock rise astronomically since 2010, PFK Ludogorets Razgrad have become the first Bulgarian club to be features in the UEFA Champions League group stage twice. Previously, their maiden participation happened in 2014-15 season when the Bulgarian club made headlines due to notable results against FC Basel and Liverpool.
Their success on domestic scene has been equally impressive as PFC Ludogorets Razgrad remain the second team in the world to win a treble after being promoted from the second to the first league. Main force of the Bulgarian club are the Brazilian players, currently eight of them in the squad many of whom hold the Bulgarian citizenship.