The Europa League first qualifying round gets underway for CSKA Sofia and Derry City as the two sides meet at Vasil Levski National Stadium in the opening leg of their tie. Given the huge gap in quality between the two teams, we predict a 3-1 home win. CSKA head into the encounter in high spirits after recording encouraging pre-season victories over Odra Opole (3-0) and Marek (3-2), with Hristo Yanev expected to stick to his attacking philosophy. Summer signing Joel Zwarts is widely tipped to play a key role, while the Bulgarians have been particularly impressive on home soil, winning four of their last five home matches and conceding just 0.4 goals per game. They have also kept clean sheets in 60% of those fixtures, underlining their defensive solidity.
Derry City, meanwhile, arrive in Bulgaria in the middle of the Irish Premier Division campaign, but confidence has taken a hit following a disappointing 4-2 defeat to relegation-threatened Waterford. Midfielder Darragh Markey remains sidelined through injury, further weakening the visitors. Although Derry have averaged 2.3 goals per game across their last ten matches and boast five clean sheets during that period, facing a well-organised CSKA side away from home represents a much tougher challenge.
Home form and superior quality make the Bulgarians favourites to win the first leg. Therefore, Home Win is our main betting tip for this matchup, alongside CSKA Sofia Over 1.5 and Over 2.5 goals total (CSKA attacking style and Derry's recent defensive struggles).
This Europa League match will be played on Thursday 9 July 2026 at 19:00.
What is our CSKA Sofia vs Derry City prediction?
Our prediction for this match: CSKA Sofia 3 - 1 Derry City
CSKA Sofia vs Derry City Betting Tips
- Correct Score: 3-1 @ 1100 Odds
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes @ 125 Odds
- Over / Under 4.5 Goals: Under 4.5 Goals @ -500 Odds
- Over / Under 3.5 Goals: Over 3.5 Goals @ 137 Odds
- Over / Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals @ -175 Odds
- Over / Under 1.5 Goals: Over 1.5 Goals @ -600 Odds
- Asian Handicap: CSKA Sofia -1.5 @ -154 Odds
- European Handicap: CSKA Sofia -1 @ -163 Odds
- Shots on Target (Home): Over 7.5
- Shots on Target (Away): Over 2.5
- Shots on Target (Total): Over 9.5
- Total Corners: 9 - 11 @ 162 Odds
- Double Chance: 12 @ -900 Odds
- Draw No Bet: CSKA Sofia to Win @ -1600 Odds
- Half Time/Full Time: CSKA Sofia to Win/CSKA Sofia to Win @ -150 Odds
- Clean Sheet: CSKA Sofia - No @ 110 Odds
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View OfferCSKA Sofia Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | wdwdwwldwd | 1.90 |
| Home | wwwlw | 2.40 |
| Away | ddwdd | 1.40 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 50% | 80% | 20% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2.00 | 1.60 | 2.40 |
| Scored | 1.30 | 1.20 | 1.40 |
| Conceded | 0.70 | 0.40 | 1.00 |
| BTTS | 50% | 20% | 80% |
| Clean Sheets | 40% | 60% | 20% |
| Failed to Score | 20% | 20% | 20% |
| Expected Goals | 1.51 | 1.74 | 1.29 |
| Expected Goals Against | 1.07 | 1.03 | 1.11 |
Derry City Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | wlwwdddwww | 2.10 |
| Home | wlwdww | 2.17 |
| Away | wddw | 2.00 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 60% | 67% | 50% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 3.00 | 3.50 | 2.25 |
| Scored | 2.30 | 2.50 | 2.00 |
| Conceded | 0.70 | 1.00 | 0.25 |
| BTTS | 50% | 67% | 25% |
| Clean Sheets | 50% | 33% | 75% |
| Failed to Score | 20% | 17% | 25% |
| Expected Goals | 1.77 | 2.03 | 1.39 |
| Expected Goals Against | 0.97 | 0.83 | 1.18 |
CSKA Sofia vs Derry City Head to Head Statistics (H2H)
Previous Match Data between these 2 teams are not available
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