Prediction Arda vs CSKA Sofia 2025/2026 – Betting Tips for the First League on 18/09/2025

Match preview: Stara Zagora set for a high-stakes Friday

Arda welcome CSKA Sofia to Stadion Beroe on 18 September in a fixture that promises intensity more than glamour. The scoreboard narratives this season have been jagged for both sides: Arda sit 12th with a solitary win from seven matches, while CSKA Sofia occupy 10th with a slightly healthier returns. Recent results paint a clear momentum picture — Arda arrive bruised after a 3-0 reverse at Spartak Varna on 13 September, whereas CSKA hit back and claimed a 3-1 victory over Septemvri Sofia on the same weekend. There is an edge of confidence to the visitors that the bookmakers reflect, and the clash at Stara Zagora should deliver competitive tension from first whistle to last.

Tactical undercurrent and team form

Numbers underline a trend: CSKA generate more volume and penetration, averaging 16.7 shots and roughly 104.9 attacks per game compared to Arda’s 11.9 shots and 98.9 attacks. Shots inside the box also favour the visitors — 49 to Arda’s 42 — suggesting CSKA create higher-quality opportunities in dangerous areas. Arda’s league campaign has been stubbornly draw-heavy, with a string of stalemates and only one victory, and they’ve conceded nine times in seven outings. CSKA’s defensive ledger is slightly cleaner but not impervious; seven goals conceded means this won’t be a procession. The head-to-head from May’s Conference League play-offs ended 1-1, a reminder that Arda have the capacity to frustrate, particularly at home. Still, the psychological lift of CSKA’s recent big win and their greater attacking output sets the tone.

Venue, officials and narratives that matter

The match at Stadion Beroe, capacity 12,128, will be overseen by referee Georgi Ginchev. Home advantage matters, but Arda’s recent 3-0 loss dampens that edge. CSKA’s visiting record shows resilience and an ability to turn pressure into goals, highlighted by Mohamed Amin Brahimi’s standout showing in their last triumph. Conversely, Arda will need a response from figures such as Georgi Nikolov, who emerged as their best performer in the Spartak game despite the scoreline.

Betting suggestion: The clearest angle from the data is a 1X2 selection for an away win. Bookmakers make CSKA Sofia favorites at roughly 1.70, and the statistical advantage in attacking volume, recent positive result, and marginally steadier defensive record all point toward CSKA taking three points in Stara Zagora.