- Head-to-head: Cherno More Varna won in three of the last five head-to-head matches (D2, L0).
- Away H2H: Spartak Varna have failed to win their last three head-to-head away matches.
- Home form: Cherno More Varna have won two, drawn none and lost one of their last five matches at home.
Cherno More versus Spartak Varna – an even derby in Varna
Cherno More and Spartak Varna are two of the oldest clubs in Bulgaria, but their long history has not made them rivals on the pitch just yet. In fact, these two Varna-based clubs will face off when they meet this weekend and it will be interesting to see if there is much of a derby feel about the game.
Cherno More Varna are the narrow favourites at 1.73 with Spartak Varna listed at 5.02 and the draw at 3.38. The visitors arrive in better form, so the odds look a little short for the home side, but it is difficult to know just how much of a rivalry exists between these clubs and just how that will influence the players on the field.
A little bit of history
The last meeting between Cherno More and Spartak took place back in Parva Liga 2025/2026 when the two sides played out a tight 0-0 draw here in Varna. That game demonstrated that the Cherno More have a slight edge in the derby, but it was also a close and cagey contest.
The clubs have met before, but the recent meetings have been close, which may influence our selection for this one. Cherno More have won three, drawn two and lost none of the previous five head-to-heads, with Spartak failing to win their last three away in the series.
Both clubs have identity
Both of these clubs have a fairly well defined style and identity, which has been moulded over time by long-serving managers.
Cherno More's approach
Ilian Iliev has been in charge of Cherno More since December 2017 and they will line up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation this weekend. The team build up from the back, like to have the ball in possession and create width and depth with their overlapping full-backs. They are good in transition and can be very dangerous when they open the gap up with their quick bursts forward.
Spartak's approach
Gjokica Hadzievski has been in charge of Spartak since July 2025 and he has them playing with much more tempo, transitioning quickly and playing much more aggressively in general. They can also switch between 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 and will be looking to overload the half spaces, exploit the width of the field and push men forward quickly.
Spartak have a goal in them
This should be a close game, as both sides have an identity and an ability to play their way out of trouble, but who controls the midfield will probably determine this derby. Our main selection is a narrow Cherno More win, which would be a continuation of the recent trend in the head-to-head, but this could also be another tight draw between these Varna rivals.
Cherno More are fifth in Parva Liga 2026-2027 with one point from one game played, while Spartak are one place below in sixth on the same tally from one match.
- Cherno More's last league outing was a 1-1 draw away to mid-table Botev Vratsa, but they were stung 2-3 at home by Arda Kardzhali in their previous Parva Liga – Conference League Group 2026 game.
- Spartak's last fixture was a 2-2 home draw with CSKA 1948, which followed a 3-0 home win over bottom side Lokomotiv Sofia and a 2-0 away victory at mid-table Montana 1921 in the Parva Liga – Relegation Group 2026.
Spartak’s current form
Spartak Varna look the sharper team at the moment, which is why our main selection is a tight Cherno More edge, but we are taking the Under 2.5 goals at 1.66 option because it looks like the derby will be a cagey affair and the odds reflect that much better than a shootout would.
Cherno More have scored seven goals in their last five across all competitions, while Spartak Varna have managed nine of the same in the same matches. Asen Donchev has three to his name for the hosts and Georg Stojanovski five for the visitors, so they both have their goal poachers in the squad.
Cherno More are a slightly more reliable proposition at the Ticha, where they have won two, drawn none and lost one, so any Varna fortress vibes are still alive, but the visitor's goal power makes this feel closer than the market suggests.
