OFI vs CSKA Sofia Predictions

Prediction by The Form Guide — CSKA Sofia and OFI arrive in sharply different form (12 vs 3 points from the last five) — routed to The Form Guide, which weights momentum most heavily.
UEFA Europa LeagueUEFA Europa League · World
high confidence
OFI

OFI

Full Time

3 - 0

AI predicted 1 - 2

CSKA Sofia

CSKA Sofia

🗓️ Thursday, 20 Aug 2026 at 21:00 EEST (venue time) · 18:00 UTC (your time)📍 Pagritio, Heraklion

Win Probability (1X2)

OFI 21%Draw 28%CSKA Sofia 51%

Best Value Pick

Match Result: CSKA Sofia Win

Match Result

7.2/10

OFI Cruise Past 10-Man CSKA Sofia in Europa League Opener

OFI made a statement in their UEFA Europa League campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over CSKA Sofia at the Pagritio Stadium in Heraklion. The Greek side took control early, opening the scoring in the 19th minute and never looked back, capitalizing on both their clinical finishing and a numerical advantage after CSKA Sofia were reduced to ten men. The visitors struggled to cope, conceding further goals in the second half as OFI sealed a comprehensive win. Despite both teams registering just one shot on target apiece, OFI's efficiency in front of goal proved decisive. CSKA Sofia's discipline issues, culminating in two yellow cards and a red, further compounded their woes. The result leaves OFI in a strong position in their group, while CSKA Sofia will need to regroup after a disappointing display.

😅 AI Prediction Report

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR

Predicted

1 - 2

⚡

Actual

3 - 0

❌Result
❌BTTS
✅O/U 2.5
❌Score

💰 Bet Results1/3 hit

1x2 — away
❌
over_under_2_5 — over
✅
btts — yes
❌

Key Moments

19' — Goal

Taxiarchis Fountas finishes clinically to give OFI the lead.

51' — Goal

Thiago Nuss doubles OFI's advantage early in the second half.

??' — Red Card

CSKA Sofia reduced to ten men, shifting the momentum decisively.

90' — Goal

Aitor Cantalapiedra adds a third for OFI, sealing the result.

OFI

OFI

8.5/10

OFI delivered a near-perfect performance, maximizing their opportunities and showing composure throughout. Their 3-4-3 formation allowed them to control the midfield and create the game's key chances, despite limited overall shots. The home side's defense remained untroubled, with goalkeeper Nikolaos Christogeorgos barely tested. OFI's ability to strike at crucial moments, particularly after CSKA Sofia went down to ten men, highlighted their tactical maturity.

Key Players

Taxiarchis Fountas: Opened the scoring in the 19th minute, setting the tone for OFI's dominance.
Thiago Nuss: Added a second goal early in the second half to put the match beyond doubt.
Aitor Cantalapiedra: Capped the win with a late third goal, ensuring a comprehensive result.

Strengths

Clinical finishingDisciplined defensive displayTactical flexibility in midfield

Weaknesses

Limited shot creationRelatively low attacking volume
CSKA Sofia

CSKA Sofia

4/10

CSKA Sofia endured a frustrating evening, failing to generate attacking momentum and hampered by poor discipline. Their 4-3-3 setup struggled to break down OFI's compact lines, and their only shot on target failed to trouble the hosts. The red card and two yellow cards further destabilized their structure, leading to defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion. The Bulgarian side will need to address both their attacking impotence and discipline moving forward.

Key Players

Fedor Lapoukhov: Made the lone save for CSKA Sofia, but was left exposed by his defense.

Strengths

Early defensive organization

Weaknesses

Disciplinary issues (2 yellows, 1 red)Lack of attacking threatUnable to recover after going a man down

Tactical Analysis

OFI's 3-4-3 formation provided solidity at the back and flexibility in midfield, allowing them to transition quickly and exploit spaces left by CSKA Sofia. The wing-backs contributed both defensively and offensively, supporting the front three. After the red card, OFI pressed their advantage, stretching the depleted CSKA Sofia defense and capitalizing on the extra space. CSKA Sofia's 4-3-3 setup initially aimed for balance but failed to generate width or penetration. The sending off forced them into a reactive posture, with their midfield unable to protect the back line or support the attack. The lack of attacking impetus and poor discipline ultimately led to their downfall.

Turning Point

The red card to CSKA Sofia, which left them a man down and allowed OFI to dominate proceedings.

Man of the Match

Taxiarchis Fountas

His early goal set the tone and his movement caused constant problems for CSKA Sofia.

OFI vs CSKA Sofia: Match Preview

OFI come into this Europa League tie on the back of a difficult run, having lost three consecutive friendlies and conceding nine goals in the process. Their last competitive win dates back to mid-May, and their form string of LLLWL reflects a side struggling for rhythm and defensive solidity. With no competitive matches played yet this season, OFI’s sharpness and cohesion remain in question as they host a CSKA Sofia side in full stride.

CSKA Sofia, by contrast, are riding a wave of momentum, with four wins from their last five across domestic and European competition. They have averaged 2.4 goals per game in this period, highlighted by a 3-0 away win at Maccabi Tel Aviv and a convincing 3-0 league victory at Septemvri Sofia. The Bulgarian side’s attack has looked fluid, with goals spread across multiple players, while their defence has been breached in three of their last five, suggesting a high-tempo, open contest. OFI’s own attack has shown late-life, with four goals in their last two friendlies, but their defensive record is a concern.

The model expects CSKA Sofia’s attacking form and competitive sharpness to tilt the balance, especially against an OFI side that has struggled to keep things tight at the back. OFI’s home advantage and tendency to score late could keep them in the contest, but the visitors’ firepower and momentum make them favourites for a narrow away win, likely decided by their ability to capitalise on OFI’s defensive lapses.

How OFI and CSKA Sofia Are Arriving

Form, fitness and who's likely to start.

OFI vs CSKA Sofia Goalscorer Form

Goals scored in last 5 matches across all competitions. Rate = goals ÷ 5 games. XI badge shows player is in the expected starting lineup.

OFIOFIlast 5 matches

No scorer data yet — available after predictions are regenerated.

CSKA SofiaCSKA Sofialast 5 matches

No scorer data yet — available after predictions are regenerated.

Scorer data populates once predictions are regenerated with the updated pipeline.

OFI’s recent form is worrying, with three consecutive defeats and nine goals conceded in friendlies, suggesting defensive fragility and a lack of momentum. In contrast, CSKA Sofia have won four of their last five, including a 3-0 away win in Europe, and are averaging 2.4 goals per game, entering this tie with confidence and attacking fluency.

OFI vs CSKA Sofia Prediction Confidence at a Glance

How strongly the model leans on each market.

Match Result (1X2)
21%
28%
51%
OFI 21%Draw 28%CSKA Sofia 51%
Both Teams to Score
54%
46%
Yes 54%No 46%
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
58%
42%
Over 2.5 58%Under 2.5 42%

Stats Worth Knowing

The numbers behind OFI vs CSKA Sofia that most previews miss.

  • 1OFI have conceded at least two goals in each of their last three matches, averaging 2.6 goals against per game in that run.
  • 2CSKA Sofia have scored in every one of their last five matches and have failed to keep a clean sheet in three of those.
  • 3Both teams have seen goals in the second half: CSKA Sofia have scored seven second-half goals in their last five, while OFI have scored four after the break.

🎮 Prediction Playground

Think the model has it wrong? Nudge each team's expected goals and watch every probability react — then simulate the match and see what happens.

OFI1.15

Expected goals · model says 1.15

CSKA Sofia1.80

Expected goals · model says 1.80

Win Probability
OFI 24% Draw 23% CSKA Sofia 53%

Over 2.5 Goals

57%

BTTS: Yes

57%

Likely Scores

1-1 · 1-2 · 0-1

Play this match once with the probabilities above — every run is different.

Powered by the same Poisson scoreline model behind the prediction. For fun and exploration — not betting advice.

Who do you think wins: OFI vs CSKA Sofia?

Cast your vote, then see how it stacks up against the model.

The Case For This OFI vs CSKA Sofia Prediction

CSKA Sofia’s surge in form, with four wins from their last five and 12 goals scored, contrasts sharply with OFI’s three-match losing run and leaky defence. The visitors’ momentum and attacking threat make them strong favourites, but OFI’s late-goal habit and home advantage could keep things competitive.

Key Factors at a Glance

Defence

  • →CSKA Sofia have won four of their last five matches, scoring 12 and conceding 6.
  • →OFI have lost three consecutive games, conceding 9 goals in that stretch.
  • →CSKA Sofia have scored in every match of their last five, while OFI have failed to keep a clean sheet.

More UEFA Europa League Predictions

Things to Watch: OFI vs CSKA Sofia

  • ⚠️No head-to-head or league standings data available for additional context.
  • ⚠️OFI’s recent matches are all friendlies, so competitive sharpness is uncertain.
  • ⚠️Bookmaker odds are missing, so value edges cannot be calculated.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Betting involves risk — always gamble responsibly.

Final Verdict

OFI 1–2 CSKA Sofia

The model predicts a 2-1 win for CSKA Sofia, with the visitors’ recent momentum—four wins from five and an average of 2.4 goals per game—the standout factor. The main risk is OFI’s unknown competitive level after a string of friendlies, which could mean they are either undercooked or fresher than expected.

OFI vs CSKA Sofia: Common Questions

Who will win OFI vs CSKA Sofia?

CSKA Sofia are favoured, with a 51% probability of victory based on their four wins in the last five and a strong scoring record (2.4 goals per game). OFI’s recent three-match losing streak and defensive issues make them clear underdogs at 21%.

Will both teams score in OFI vs CSKA Sofia?

There’s a 54% chance both teams will score. OFI have scored in four of their last five, and CSKA Sofia have conceded in three of their last five, pointing to defensive vulnerabilities on both sides.

Can CSKA Sofia’s winning run continue in Europe?

CSKA Sofia’s momentum is strong, with four wins and 12 goals in their last five matches, including European ties. The model gives them a 51% chance to win away, but OFI’s home factor and late-goal threat mean it may not be straightforward.

How This Prediction Was Made

The numbers on this page come from a structured statistical pack for OFI vs CSKA Sofia: recent results and scoring data for both sides, home/away splits, the head-to-head record, current league standings, known injuries and live bookmaker odds, all sourced from the API-Football data feed.

This fixture was routed to The Form Guide, the momentum specialist — weights the last five matches above everything. An AI model running that profile analyses the pack and produces the probabilities, predicted score and written analysis shown above. Nothing is edited by hand, and no information outside the data pack is used.

Last updated: 14 August 2026 (refreshed automatically as new team data arrives). Every prediction is scored against the real result once the match finishes — see the verified track record or read the full methodology. Football is inherently uncertain: treat this page as analysis, not advice.

More OFI vs CSKA Sofia Resources