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Slavia Sofia vs CSKA Sofia: prediction and odds

Bulgaria First League · Bulgaria · 20 July 2026
Slavia Sofia logoSlavia Sofia
0:0
1st half: 0:0
20.07.2026 17:15
CSKA Sofia logoCSKA Sofia

Match events

Emil Stoev🟨
47′
Vladimir Nikolov🟨
65′
85′
🟨Max Ebong
87′
🟨Bruno Jordão

Match statistics: Slavia Sofia vs CSKA Sofia

Slavia SofiaCSKA Sofia
36Ball possession, %64
4Shots16
4Shots on target7
2Corners11
13Fouls12
2Yellow cards2
0Red cards0
88Attacks136
47Dangerous attacks91

💡 Match preview Slavia Sofia vs CSKA Sofia

The new season of the Bulgarian First League kicks off with a capital city derby that promises fireworks from the very first round. At the Aleksandar Shalamanov Stadium, local side Slavia Sofia will host one of the country’s true giants, CSKA Sofia. Opening matches after the summer break are always ripe with surprises, and the derby status only amplifies the unpredictability. Can the home team stand up to the favourites on their own turf, or will the visitors’ class prove too much?

Tactical Analysis: Slavia Sofia

Slavia finished the previous season in the relegation group, ending up in 11th place with 46 points. However, their summer preparations under Serbian manager Zlatomir Dostanić were nothing short of spectacular in terms of results and confidence. They won all four of their friendly matches, dismantling Montana 7-2, edging past Slatina 3-2, beating Septemvri 3-2, and comfortably defeating Romanian side Botosani 4-0. Yet, it is worth noting that the club struggled significantly at the end of last season. Defensive frailties were a recurring issue, leading to losses against even weaker sides like Dobrudzha (0-2) and Spartak Varna (1-2). Giving the visitors a real fight in this match will be an enormous challenge.

Tactical Analysis: CSKA Sofia

CSKA Sofia finished fourth in the championship playoff group last season, amassing 63 points. Unlike their opponents, the men under Bulgarian coach Tomislav Yanev have already found their competitive rhythm. They successfully started their Europa League qualification campaign, defeating Irish side Derry City twice – 3-2 at home and 2-1 away. Their summer friendlies were also impressive: wins over Marek (3-0) and Polish side Odra (3-0), with the only blip being a heavy 0-4 loss to stubborn Ukrainian side Polissya. Late last season, the club faced some difficulties, but those came against strong opponents, and they often gave a good account of themselves. Memorable May matches include encounters with CSKA 1948 (1-0, 1-1) and Ludogorets (0-0, 1-0).

Tournament Motivation

For Slavia, this home derby is strategically crucial. Grabbing points would provide a massive boost of confidence at the start of the season. CSKA Sofia, on the other hand, is solely focused on victory. The team is in a competitive groove and intends to immediately insert themselves into the title race, avoiding any slip-ups against clubs they are expected to outclass.

Squad Situation

During the off-season, Slavia lost a very important attacker. Left winger Balov was sold for a record €3 million. To replace him, the club brought in free agents Vladimir Nikolov and Yoan Bornosuzov, but fully filling Balov’s shoes will be a tall order. The visitors were also quite active in the transfer market. They sold key defender Dellova, but his position was expertly filled by the experienced Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who arrived on a free transfer from Metz. The headline moves, however, were the purchase of central midfielder Sensi from Anorthosis and the signing of quality striker Zwarts, who previously performed well for Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

Prediction and Bet

Main Prediction: CSKA Sofia to Win with a Handicap (-1) at 1.75

The gap in class, cohesion, and competitive sharpness between the two teams is enormous. CSKA Sofia has already played two tough official matches in Europe, winning both, and has clearly demonstrated the power of their revamped midfield, led by Sensi. Slavia, despite scoring plenty in friendlies, did so against distinctly weak opponents, and the loss of Balov has stripped them of their main attacking weapon. Furthermore, Slavia’s form at the end of last season was inconsistent – they suffered four defeats in five First League matches. We back the visitors to cover a -1 handicap. The probability of this outcome, including the possibility of a push, is estimated at 63% (anything above 1.68 is considered playable).

Total Goals Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals at 1.90

Before the start of the championship, both teams showed they are capable of playing with plenty of attacking intent. Three or more goals were scored in four of Slavia’s recent friendlies and in six of CSKA Sofia’s last matches (including their two European ties). We do not expect the sides to play too cautiously in this derby. The probability of this bet landing is assessed at 55% (anything above 1.82 is considered playable).

Match odds Slavia Sofia vs CSKA Sofia

Result (1X2)

X4.3517.821.41

Double chance

1X2.8X21.07121.19

Both teams to score

No1.68Yes2.03

Over

11.0221.3732.3944.851.51.232.51.843.52.944.55.55

Under

18.422.7431.4841.121.53.452.51.933.51.314.51.08

Handicap 1

05.612.1221.2731.041.51.582.51.183.51.03

Handicap 2

01.08-11.67-23.15-37-1.52.14-2.53.88-3.57.8

Correct score

0:011.50:15.80:26.050:38.80:416.50:5381:017.251:17.61:281:312.251:4231:5482:0462:1232:2202:330

Predictions for Slavia Sofia vs CSKA Sofia

GN Gabriel Nwosu Result: Xodds 4.00 Won

I've analyzed the key metrics—HPxG, NPxGA, xGA, xG, and xPTS—to identify the strongest betting opportunity. These indicators point to a clear edge, and I'm confident in this selection. My reasoning is based solely on the numbers, and I'm backing this play with conviction.

VB Victor Balogun Over 2 (1st half)odds 5.00 Lost

I'm betting on over 0.5 goals in the first half of Slavia Sofia vs CSKA Sofia. Both sides are in phenomenal form right now, and with this kind of attacking momentum, I expect an early breakthrough. Good luck.

VO Victor Okonkwo Over 2.5odds 1.77 Lost

I'm confident the total will go over. The recent trends and game dynamics strongly support a high-scoring outcome, making this the clear bet.

AN Amina Nnaji Team 2 over 1.5odds 1.59 Lost

I am confident that Sofia will succeed. She already has the ability, and that is the foundation of my bet.

FI Funke Igwe Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.87 Lost

Yes, both of these excellent teams will distinguish themselves by scoring goals.

SO Segun Ogunleye Over 1.5odds 1.22 Lost

I'm keeping it simple. No need to overcomplicate—this approach is proven and reliable. That's my confident call.

VN Victoria Nwachukwu Corners: Under 7.5odds 3.42 Lost

I'm predicting that Sofia will average around 5 corners per game over the course of the year. This is based on their consistent playing style and historical data, which suggests a steady output in this area. I'm confident in this forecast because the team's tactics and match dynamics typically lead to this level of corner count, making it a reliable benchmark for the season.

DA Daniel Adekunle Team 2 over 1.5odds 1.59 Lost

I predict CSKA will win because they have a stronger roster and should easily overpower their opponent in this matchup. Their depth and talent give them a clear edge.

TN Temitope Nwosu Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.90 Lost

I'm confident the away team will win this match, and they'll concede at least one goal. The reasoning is straightforward: the visitors have been strong on the road, consistently finding the net, while the home side has the firepower to score but not enough defensive solidity to keep a clean sheet. This combination makes the bet a solid call.

CA Collins Adekunle Over 2.5odds 1.80 Lost

I’m predicting the away team will win this match, and I’m backing the total goals to hit over 3.5. The visitors have the stronger form going in, and their attacking style should push the pace early. With the hosts likely to chase the game, I see an open contest where chances come fast. That combination makes three or more goals the most probable outcome.

JM Joseph Mohammed Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.90 Lost

I predict both teams will score. They are evenly matched and have the firepower to exchange goals, so I'm confident we'll see each side find the net.

CM Chioma Mohammed Under 2.5odds 1.96 Won

I predict that the total goals will be low. This match is set to be a tight, defensive affair with few clear chances, so don't expect a high-scoring game.

GS Gloria Salami Team 2 over 1odds 1.15 Lost

This match will be a tightly contested battle. I'm confident the away side will find the net at least twice, so I'm backing their team total over 1.

AE Anthony Emenike Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.90 Lost

I’m confident that both teams will score in this Bulgarian football match. The league has consistently shown that clubs can find the net at least once, and the attacking patterns here support that trend. Expect goals from both sides.

AO Ayodele Olaniyan Handicap 2 (-1)odds 1.73 Lost

The difference in class and squad quality is still very significant. I'm confident this gap will be the deciding factor in the outcome.

CY Chukwuma Yusuf Handicap 1 (0)odds 5.25 Void

I confidently state that no forecast commentary was provided for rewriting. My reasoning is clear: the input consists of nonsensical characters, not a valid bet or reasoning.

CL Chiamaka Lamido Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.98 Lost

I’m backing both teams to score in the Slavia Sofia vs. CSKA Sofia match. This derby often delivers goals at both ends, with Slavia’s home form and CSKA’s attacking quality making a clean sheet unlikely for either side. The stats and recent head-to-heads support this outcome, so I’m confident in the “Both Teams to Score – Yes” bet.

UT Usman Tanko Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.98 Lost

I predict both teams will score in this match. The attacking strengths and defensive vulnerabilities on both sides make it highly likely that each will find the net.

FY Funke Yusuf Result: 1odds 7.20 Lost

I'm certain this will happen. My analysis leaves no room for doubt—the evidence is clear and the reasoning is straightforward.

SS Suleiman Sani Under 2.5odds 1.88 Won

I'm confidently predicting another low-scoring, dull match with few scoring chances. The pattern is clear: both teams tend to play conservatively, and the lack of offensive creativity will keep the total under. Expect a game that drags with minimal excitement and even fewer goals.

AL Adewale Lamido Over 1 (1st half)odds 1.75 Lost

I am forecasting the first half to go Over 1 goal. Both teams are likely to start aggressively, and early scoring opportunities should push the total past this line. I'm confident in this outcome.

AO Amara Ogunleye Under 2.5odds 1.96 Won

I'm confident in a low-scoring, tight match here. I see CSKA-Sofia as the clear favorite with a 47% win probability, while a draw is also very likely at 35%. The history between these sides and both teams' poor attacking form strongly point to a game under 2.5 goals, with only a 15% chance of it going over. The "both teams to score" bet is also unlikely at 25%. My conviction is very high—the head-to-head record, consistent under-2.5 trends, and low scoring output from both clubs all signal a defensive battle. The main risk is Slavia Sofia's home advantage, but I'm betting on a controlled win for CSKA or a stalemate.

AM Aliyu Madu Over 4odds 4.75 Lost

I'm confident the total will go over 4. Both teams focus on attack and have shaky defenses, and recent matches between them consistently produce multiple goals. The pace and pressure here will push the scoreline past this mark.

KA Kayode Adewale Both teams to score — Yesodds 2.01 Lost

I'm confident both teams are set to attack. I expect each side to find the back of the net.

WA Wale Afolabi Over 2.5odds 1.81 Lost

I'm confident we'll see the over on total goals here. The key indicators point to an open, high-scoring affair—both sides are pushing forward with little defensive discipline, and the recent form suggests goals at both ends. The analysis I've been tracking aligns perfectly with this expectation, so I'm locking in the over.

AD Adaeze Danjuma Handicap 2 (-1.5)odds 2.10 Lost

I’m betting on the away team to cover the spread. Their recent form on the road has been consistently strong, and they match up well against this opponent’s defensive weaknesses. The line here offers solid value given the gap in current performance levels.

ON Obinna Nnaji Over 3.5odds 2.90 Lost

I'm confident the visitors will secure a high-scoring win today. Their attacking lines are in top form, and they have a clear advantage in breaking down the opposition's defense. Expect them to capitalize on their chances and put up a strong offensive display.

This bet is solid because the visitors' recent performances show consistent scoring power, while the home side has struggled to contain similar attacks. The momentum is on the visitors' side, and I see no reason why they won't deliver a convincing, goal-filled victory.

AN Ayodele Nnaji Over 2odds 1.36 Lost

I am adding this to my accumulator. It is the riskier option, but I am confident that Both Teams to Score is the right call. The reasoning is solid, and I believe it pays off.

CE Comfort Eze Correct score 1:2odds 8.00 Lost

I confidently predict that the horses will win. Their superior speed and endurance give them a clear edge over the competition.

PD Peter Danjuma Under 3.5odds 1.32 Won

I confidently predict that the total goals will be under four.

SO Sani Obiora Corners: Under 9.5odds 1.88 Lost

I'm confident these teams won't earn that many corners today. Their playing styles and recent form just don't support a high corner count, so my bet is firmly on the under.

DA Deborah Afolabi Result: Xodds 4.33 Won

I predict Slavia won't lose. Their strong home form and defensive discipline are key factors, and their attacking threat should be enough to secure at least a draw. The opponent faces too many squad challenges to break through here, so I'm confident in this outcome.

DB David Bankole Handicap 2 (-1)odds 1.67 Lost

I believe CSKA will win the Sofia derby. The team's form and tactical discipline give them a clear edge over their rivals. This is the most likely outcome.

IN Ikechukwu Nwosu Correct score 1:2odds 8.00 Lost

I'm predicting a 2-1 final score here. Both sides are evenly matched, but one team's attacking form gives them the edge to secure a narrow win. This outcome aligns with recent performances and head-to-head trends, making it a confident call.

ML Michael Lamido Double chance: 1Xodds 2.80 Won

I'm confident the home team can hold onto a draw. The outcome really depends on the visitors' lineup.

JA John Ademola Result: 2odds 1.41 Lost

I'm confident the army men will take the game. Their form and tactical discipline give them a clear edge over the opposition, and they know how to close out matches when it matters most. Expect a controlled performance and a deserved win.

FF Funke Fashola Handicap 2 (-1)odds 1.67 Lost

I'm backing CSKA to win this match. Their transfer window was clearly stronger—they brought in a striker who delivered 8 goals and 3 assists in 15 games for Lokomotiv Plovdiv, and replaced departing defender Dellova with Gbamin, a very solid center-back for the Bulgarian league. Slavia, on the other hand, only added free agents after selling Christian Balov for €3 million, which significantly weakened their squad.

CSKA also have momentum from European competition, having beaten Derry City twice (3-2 at home, 2-1 away). That form gives them a clear edge over a Slavia side that looks worse on paper and hasn't built any rhythm. I expect CSKA to take all three points.

SO Sunday Ojo Result: 2odds 1.44 Lost

I am confidently backing CSKA Sofia to win. They are the clear favorites here, and I see no reason to bet against them in this matchup.

IM Ifeoma Mohammed Over 2.5odds 1.85 Lost

I’m confident that Slavia Sofia and CSKA Sofia will deliver a goal fest. Both teams have attacking firepower and shaky defenses, so don’t expect a dull affair—this derby is set for plenty of scoring.

Match poster

Slavia Sofia vs CSKA Sofia — odds