Ludogorets vs Slavia Prague Prediction: 25/9/2024

Ludogorets participated in three preliminary rounds of the Champions League before eventually being eliminated by Qarabag, despite winning the first leg 1-2 away. However, the Bulgarians suffered a devastating 2-7 loss at home after extra time in the return leg.

This defeat dropped them into the Europa League play-offs, where they comfortably defeated Moldovan side Petrocub, winning 4-0 in the first leg and 1-2 in the return match. Since their heavy loss to Qarabag, Ludogorets has remained unbeaten, recording five matches without defeat, including four victories, such as league wins against Levski (1-0) and Beroe (0-1).

Before this upcoming fixture, they will have played additional league games against Krumovgrad, Slavia Sofia, and Lokomotiv Sofia.

Slavia Prague also had hopes of reaching the Champions League but were thwarted by Lille. Despite winning the return leg at home, Slavia lost 2-1 on aggregate, forcing them into the Europa League. Slavia has had a strong start to their domestic season, remaining undefeated in six matches with five wins and one draw. Leading up to this match, Slavia faced challenges against Ostrava, Mlada Boleslav, and Plzen.

For Ludogorets, Bernard Tekpetey, who scored 10 goals last season, remains injured and is expected to miss the game. However, key players like Son (2 goals, 1 assist), Portuguese midfielder Almeida (3 goals in the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers), and Swiss international Duah (13 goals, 3 assists last season) will be available.

Slavia Prague, on the other hand, has several key absences, including Fila, Holes, Lukas Masopust, Ogungbayi, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanek. Czech internationals Jurecka (19 goals, 6 assists last season), El Diouf (3 goals this season), and summer recruit Chory (12 goals, 4 assists last season with Plzen) are expected to feature in this match.

 

Prediction

In Ludogorets’ last 19 home Europa League matches, only one has seen more than three goals, showing a pattern of low-scoring games. Similarly, 16 of Slavia Prague’s last 21 matches at this level have also ended with under 3.5 goals. Given these trends, a closely contested and low-scoring match is expected.

Prediction: Ludogorets 1-1 Slavia Prague