Qarabag vs CSKA Sofia Prediction: Hosts to rack up some more goals

Qarabag host CSKA Sofia at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium on Thursday (8pm local time/5pm BST) for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League second round qualifier.

The hosts have qualified for either the Europa League or Champions League league phase/group stage across the past three campaigns, so they are well-seasoned at this level. You'll find my Qarabag vs CSKA Sofia predictions below, as well as the latest match odds from Betfred and team news.

Team News

Qarabag have no fresh concerns to worry about heading into this first leg. With their domestic season yet to get underway, the hosts have most of their stars fit and raring to go.

Attacker Zakaria Sawo registered five goal contributions in the first round, so he'll be the player that his teammates will look to for inspiration in the final third.

For CSKA Sofia, Cyprus international Ioannis Pittas struck three goals across both legs against Derry City in the first round, so he's in fine form ahead of this tussle against experienced opposition.

Leandro Godoy netted 13 goals for the Bulgarian outfit last season, and he too can cause problems for Qarabag on Thursday.

Qarabag vs CSKA Sofia Odds

Given their recent history in Europe, Qarabag are the heavy favourites to win this first leg at 1/2.

CSKA Sofia are a 5/1 bet to prevail in Azerbaijan, while the draw can be covered at 11/4.

Betfred has a Price Boost available for this match and it is Qarabag To Win Both Halves at 3/1, up from 13/5.

Home Team Total Goals: Over 2.5 @ 2/1

Qarabag have given a good account of themselves on the European stage in recent years, and they will be looking to continue their streak of making it to the main draw in UEFA's competitions.

I think they will be able to take control of this tie by winning their home leg and I believe there's value to be had in the Home Team Total Goals market, with Over 2.5 valued at 2/1 (implied probability of 33.3%).

This selection has struck in each of Qarabag's previous four competitive matches and I predict this trend will continue on Thursday.

Player To Score (Sub Switch): Iaonnis Pittas @ 7/4

I'm expecting a home victory but CSKA Sofia will have their part to play in Azerbaijan. I do see the visitors getting a consolation goal at the very least, and the man who looks most likely to score it is Pittas.

He should be brimming with confidence after scoring three goals across the two legs against Derry in the last round and I reckon his fortunes will continue here.

Betfred's Sub Switch rolls your bet on to the oncoming substitute, so you stay in the game, even when your player doesn’t.