CSKA Sofia vs Riga
UEFA Europa League
Date: Thursday, 12 July 2018
Kick-Off at 18:45 UK / 19:45 CET
Venue: Stadion Balgarska Armija, Sofia.
Riga made a massive progress moving from a team which was founded only in 2015 to genuine title contenders in a couple of years. They earned the right to represent Latvia in Europa League for the first time in short history as they are set for the inaugural European fixture on Thursday against Bulgarian heavyweights CSKA Sofia.
The maiden Europa League trip will be a tough one for the Latvians as the draw awarded them the second strongest team in Bulgaria. CSKA Sofia are miles away from golden years back in 2000s, but they did become a serious threat to Ludogorets’ crown in domestic circles.
After all, the team finished just seven points short of the champions and as many as 17 points adrift of city rivals Levski Sofia in third in the previous term of First league. As decent as their campaign seemed to be, the board was just not satisfied as they decided to make a managerial change hiring Hristo Yanev as the new head coach in May this year.
CSKA Sofia vs Riga: Head-to-head
The two teams are about to face each other for the first time.
CSKA Sofia vs Riga: Prediction
CSKA have high appetites in this term of Europa League and they are massive favourites to storm past Riga over two legs. They had a number of pre-season tests, including string ones against the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk and Brondby (drew both) and they should really have what it takes to storm past competition’s debutants.
We expect the Bulgarian runners-up to pretty much lose the tie in the first leg in front of the home crowd and we’ll back them to win by two or more goals as the main betting option at the odds of 2.10. You can also go with the hosts to have the lead at the half time and win the match at the end at 2.20.
CSKA Sofia vs Riga: Bet Tips
CSKA Sofia -1.5 handicap @ 2.10
HT/FT CSKA Sofia/CSKA Sofia @ 2.20.
