- Head-to-head: Levski have won more of the last 6 - 10 meetings and both of the First Professional League encounters this season
- Form: Levski are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions (W2, D2)
- Run: CSKA 1948 have won all of their last five matches in all competitions, including a 4-0 win at Cherno More and 2-1 win at Ludogorets
Levski have the momentum in their derby matchup with CSKA
Levski are clear favorites for Saturday’s big game at 1.61, while CSKA 1948 are 5.49 outsiders with the draw priced at 3.7. The hosts have won both head-to-heads in the First Professional League this season and are the more successful side in recent meetings.
Levski Sofia can mathematically secure the 2025-26 First Professional League title with four rounds to spare if they beat their city rivals CSKA 1948 at the Vivacom Arena this Saturday, sparking celebrations among the home fans. CSKA 1948 are still in the hunt to win the title as long as they avoid defeat, but it will be difficult to stop the momentum of the hosts.
Everton Bala is Levski’s leading scorer this season with double-digit strikes, while Mazire Soula has contributed crucial goals and assists, especially in derby action.
CSKA 1948 are in great form
Levski’s system and defensive strength
Julio Velázquez’s pragmatic approach and compact 4-4-2 system has brought Levski to the top of the Championship Group table with 73 points after 31 games - eleven ahead of second-placed CSKA 1948 (62 points). Goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov and left-back Maicon have been at the heart of Levski’s compact and disciplined defense, which has been very difficult to break down.
CSKA 1948’s hot streak
The visitors have been in good form lately, but CSKA 1948 are on a hot streak and it will be a big ask for Levski to stop Aleksandrov’s team. Aleksandar Aleksandrov’s side have played the best football of the season since mid-April and have taken full advantage of a 4-0 thrashing of Cherno More.
CSKA 1948 have won all five matches since. CSKA 1948 have been a fast transition team this season, pressing high and playing direct to their physical and prolific striker Mamadou Diallo.
- Everton Bala is Levski’s leading scorer this season with double-digit strikes, while Mazire Soula has contributed crucial goals and assists, especially in derby action.
- CSKA 1948 have won all five matches since.
- Levski are clear favorites for Saturday’s big game at 1.61, while CSKA 1948 are 5.49 outsiders with the draw priced at 3.7.
Expect a cagey affair in Sofia
This tactical matchup is intriguing with Levski’s structured possession-based game coming up against CSKA 1948’s more aggressive and direct style. The match will be tight with the title on the line and the Sofia derby atmosphere could help Levski win.
A cool and wet night in Sofia should favor Levski’s style of play and make the visitors’ fast passing more of a risk. Both sides will be at full strength with no major injury doubts and Velázquez or Aleksandrov will most likely field their strongest XI.
Our forecast for a 1-0 home win and the ‘Both teams to score - No’ selection at 1.82 is based on Levski being a more successful team than CSKA 1948 in recent meetings, the home crowd advantage, the title on the line and their superior defensive record. CSKA 1948 are in a good run, including a 4-0 and a 2-1 in recent wins, so they have a chance.
