Derry City
CSKA Sofia
Derry City vs CSKA Sofia Predictions, Picks & Odds – 16/07/2026
Europa League · 1st Qualifying RoundDerry City vs CSKA Sofia – Best bets of the match
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 3.30 | 3.80 | 1.96 | View Odds |
· Confidence Medium
Derry City vs CSKA Sofia Preview
Derry City's European ambitions face a stern reality check heading into this first qualifying round tie. The Candystripes sit sixth in the 2026 League of Ireland table, having collected just 29 points from 25 matches. Their most recent outing, a 2-4 loss to Waterford United on July 3, laid bare persistent defensive frailties. Historically, European competition has been unkind to Derry, who have failed to reach a group stage in their last 14 continental attempts.
CSKA Sofia arrive in considerably stronger spirits. The 31-time Bulgarian champions secured the Bulgarian Cup on penalties against Lokomotiv Plovdiv, injecting fresh belief into their squad ahead of this continental campaign. A commanding 3-0 victory over Marek on July 3 underlined their attacking sharpness. Former Serie A midfielder Stefano Sensi is expected to make his competitive debut, adding quality to an already confident side. Seven goals conceded across four pre-season friendlies, however, suggest defensive concerns linger.
CSKA Sofia's away win at 1.96 represents the strongest value in this fixture. The Bulgarian side closed their domestic preparations with a commanding 3-0 victory over Marek, and their Cup triumph on penalties against Lokomotiv Plovdiv demonstrates composure under pressure. They have scored first in seven of their last ten competitive outings, a habit that could prove decisive against a side with clear defensive frailties.
Derry City's 2-4 loss to Waterford United laid bare a backline that has struggled all season. Sitting sixth in the League of Ireland with just 29 points from 25 matches, the hosts lack the consistency required to trouble a side of CSKA Sofia's calibre. Their European record is equally sobering: fourteen consecutive failed attempts to reach a group or league phase tells its own story.
The arrival of Stefano Sensi adds creative quality to CSKA Sofia's midfield, though the seven goals conceded across four pre-season friendlies warrant caution. Still, CSKA's superior European pedigree and recent competitive sharpness tip the balance firmly in their favour. The 2009 aggregate victory over this same opponent offers a psychological edge, and the Bulgarians should have enough firepower to secure passage.
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Trends to Know about Derry City vs CSKA Sofia
- CSKA Sofia scored first in seven of ten
- Derry City winless in fourteen European campaigns
- Sofia unbeaten in eight of eleven matches
Form & Statistics: Derry City vs CSKA Sofia
Derry City
Recent form
Season statistics (1)
CSKA Sofia
Recent form
Season statistics (1)
Lineups: Derry City vs CSKA Sofia
Derry City
Starters
- 1 Eddie Beach
- 2 Barry Cotter
- 3 Conor Barr
- 4 Patrick McClean
- 5 Brandon Fleming
- 6 Cameron Dummigan
- 7 Carl Winchester
- 8 Kevin Santos
- 9 Michael Duffy
- 10 James McClean
- 11 Liam Boyce
Absent
- Adam O'Reilly (Suspension)
CSKA Sofia
Starters
- 1 Fedor Lapoukhov
- 2 Pastor
- 3 Lumbardh Dellova
- 4 Teodor Ivanov
- 5 Angelo Martino
- 6 Bruno Jordao
- 7 Mohamed Brahimi
- 8 James Eto'o
- 9 Alejandro Piedrahita
- 10 Ioannis Pittas
- 11 Leandro Godoy
Bench
- Stefano Sensi
Absent
- Maks Ebong (Suspension (4 yellow cards))
Medium confidence
A 4-2-3-1 against a 4-3-3 shapes this Europa League qualifier at the Ryan McBride Brandywell. Derry's double pivot screens a creative band behind Liam Boyce, while CSKA Sofia's midfield trio looks to feed a front three that carries genuine continental pedigree for this level.
James Eto'o and Alejandro Piedrahita offer CSKA width and directness, but Derry's home atmosphere and the experience of James McClean in wide areas could prove decisive in what promises to be a tightly contested first leg on the Foyle.
Derry City vs CSKA Sofia: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Derry City vs CSKA Sofia Match?
What time is Derry City vs CSKA Sofia?
Derry City host CSKA Sofia on 16 July 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 18:30 local time.
Where is Derry City vs CSKA Sofia being played?
The confirmed venue for this fixture is yet to be announced by the organisers.
How Can I Watch Derry City vs CSKA Sofia on TV and Live Stream?
Broadcast details for Derry City vs CSKA Sofia have not yet been confirmed by the organisers.