New look CSKA Sofia to progress in Europa League

The second round of Europa League qualification comes to a climax this week as Bulgarian outfit CSKA Sofia travel to Croatia, having won the first leg 1-0. The visitors from the Bulgarian capital have been extremely busy in the transfer market of late and their squad depth will be a contributing factor if they are to make a success of the 2019/20 season. Osijek earnt their place in the qualification rounds from finishing third in the Croatian top flight last season.

League form

The domestic leagues in these two countries are underway with the two sides having indifferent starts with this competition clearly having an effect and in that being a priority at this point in the season. Osijek won their opener 2-0 at home to Slaven Belupo however were dismantled by Gorica on their travels last time out 3-1. 24-year-old striker Mirko Maric got on the scoresheet in both encounters and will need to continue his good form if his suiters are to advance on home soil. Sofia have a win, a draw and a loss from their opening three with Evandro the standout performer. Tony Watt also opening his Sofia account from the bench in his sides’ 3-1 defeat away to Cherno More in the second fixture, before they got a victory in the third, 2-1 away to local rivals Slavia Sofia.

Sofia’s transfer business

The Bulgarians have caught the eye throughout this window by recruiting a few British based commodities. Journeyman striker Tony Watt from St. Johnstone will be a player they look to harness the clear potential off, having famously scored a late winner for Celtic in the Champions League over Barcelona in 2012. He has since played for eight clubs before moving to Bulgaria on a free transfer. Wingers Graham Carey and Viv Soloman-Otabor joined from Plymouth Argyle and Birmingham City respectively, the latter with bags of experience in the English second tier and the former a very prolific goal creator and scorer in League One over the last two seasons. Giving the attacking element a fresh look, to accompany the marquee signature of former Millwall, Birmingham, Middlesborough and Watford attacking midfielder Diego Fabbrini.

Evandro

With three goals in his last two matches, Evandro is the main man Osijek need to worry about. The experienced Brazilian has played in the top tier in England and Portugal and is demonstrating his class this term, bagging a brace in the 2-1 win over Slavia Sofia and the only goal of the game in the first leg win against Osijek. A skillful midfielder who can bring other players into the game brilliantly and this new look Sofia side will hope he can expose the Osijek defence by playing into the hands of his new counterparts.

Osijek will fail to assert their authority at home in this Europa League qualifier and ultimately crash out to a good and developing CSKA Sofia team.

Osijek – CSKA Sofia Betting Tip

Double Chance CSKA Sofia to Win or Draw + CSKA Sofia to Qualify with Betway at odds of 189/100.

Bet Double Chance CSKA Sofia to Win or Draw + CSKA Sofia to Qualify on Betway