- Botev form: Botev Plovdiv have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five matches.
- Arda form: Arda Kardzhali have failed to win any of their last five (D2, L3).
Sides set up in opposite ways with very different results
Standings and records
The contrast between Botev Plovdiv and Arda’s set-up should make for an interesting chess match on Tuesday when two sides with very similar records go head-to-head. Both sides have identical home and away records in the Parva Liga 2025/2026, W5, D4, L7, but the difference in their respective styles is the reason why Botev are fourth in the table on 43 points and Arda are third on 45.
Botev's approach
Lachezar Baltanov’s side like to play football, controlling possession, changing formations and switching the play to find space behind stubborn defensive lines. They have a real danger man in Todor Nedelev who has scored two of their last five goals and has the vision and ability to unlock defences with his set piece prowess.
Arda's approach
Arda, on the other hand, are much more rigid in their approach, favouring a compact, defensive structure in which they absorb pressure and hit on the counter.
Botev’s recent edge could see them edge to the win
Aleksandar Tunchev’s side have been very tough to beat this season, but their inability to break teams down or close out games has cost them points in the end. There are no real goals in their squad, so the onus is on the defensive core and the fast-paced players to make the plays when they have the ball, which can be problematic when they go behind.
Arda’s away record is respectable, but they have not won in their last two away matches, drawing one and losing one; they lost 0-2 at home to Botev just two weeks ago.
- Botev are the slight favourites at 2.11, but we think the value lies with Arda at 3.86 and the draw at 2.94.
- These two teams are very evenly matched and this is a game that could go either way, but we’re taking the home side to edge it given the 2-0 win two weeks ago and the fact that there is bragging rights at stake and much more at stake than just the points in this post-season placement match.
- Both teams to score looks likely at 1.76, but we’re going for under 2.5 goals at 1.77 as both sides have struggled in front of goal lately.
