Lokomotiv Sofia have shown a clear rise in form in recent weeks and the improvement is visible both in results and in overall stability. With only one defeat in their last five matches, the team looks much more structured and confident, especially in home performances. The climb up the standings is no coincidence, and the motivation is even stronger now as Lokomotiv aim to break into the top eight before the end of the regular phase. Matches like this one are crucial for that ambition.
The guests escaped in Kardzhali
Botev Plovdiv delivered one of their more impressive displays in the visit to Arda, yet still only managed to take a point thanks to several excellent saves from Daniel Naumov. The performance itself was encouraging, but the inability to close out matches continues to be an issue. Now comes another difficult visit, and it remains to be seen whether Botev can maintain that same level of discipline and sharpness against a Lokomotiv side that has clearly stabilised. The visitors have quality, but inconsistency still follows them from round to round.
Prediction: AH – Away +0.5
Botev have shown they can compete well even in tough away matches, while Lokomotiv’s resurgence does not necessarily make this a straightforward fixture. A balanced match is expected, with the slight advantage going to Botev to avoid defeat.
