- CSKA Sofia have dominated this fixture over the last 8 Parva liga meetings, winning five while Botev Plovdiv won three CSKA Sofia have won three of their last four away head-to-head games in all competitions Ivelin Popov is Botev’s most in-form player, netting three goals in his last five appearances
CSKA have the upper hand in Parva liga’s fiercest regional rivalry
PFC Botev Plovdiv 1912 and PFC CSKA Sofia begin their Parva liga 2025-2026 campaign on the same foot as each other with zero points from zero games, but the initial ranking has Botev third and CSKA 12th. Both clubs have new head coaches for the season, so this PFC Botev Plovdiv 1912 vs PFC CSKA Sofia preview could give an early indication of what is to come for each in their quest to qualify for Europe.
CSKA Sofia’s new boss, Dusan Kerkez, was named on June 4, 2025 and is well known for an aggressive style of play that can be as intense as any in Bulgarian football. He has quickly put his stamp on the players at CSKA, who will press opponents and play vertically when they get the ball.
Botev’s boss, Nikolay Kirov, joined the club on June 28, 2025 and brings a fresh enthusiasm to the squad as well as a few tweaks to the tactics that they will use. Botev are more possession-based and structured in their build-up play, overlapping full-backs and usually playing in either 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations.
CSKA have the edge in betting and history
With the home and away advantage negated by the fixture’s status as the first of the new campaign, we will look to the value in the betting lines and the recent history of the matchup to select a bet that suits. Turning to the PFC Botev Plovdiv 1912 vs PFC CSKA Sofia odds, it is clear that the books slightly favor the visitors in this opening clash.
CSKA are 1.81 favorites to beat Botev on Saturday, which is much better value than the 4.69 on offer on the hosts or the 3.50 available on the draw. This price is fair given CSKA’s recent dominance in this head-to-head matchup, so we’re taking them to win. Our PFC Botev Plovdiv 1912 vs PFC CSKA Sofia prediction is for a hard-fought away win.
CSKA Sofia dominated Botev during the Parva liga 2024/2025 season, although this matchup has often been very open and it could again be this weekend.
CSKA will have their tail up after taking three wins from the last four head-to-head away matches and we’re supporting over 2.5 goals as the main bet, with CSKA expected to shade this encounter. For those searching for PFC Botev Plovdiv 1912 vs PFC CSKA Sofia betting tips, the total goals market looks promising with both teams expected to push forward.
CSKA Sofia hammered Botev 4-0 in the away game in Parva liga 2024/2025 just seven weeks ago and can do so again with a positive start to the 2025/2026 campaign. Therefore, the second PFC Botev Plovdiv 1912 vs PFC CSKA Sofia prediction is a convincing victory for CSKA as they look to repeat history.
