CSKA Sofia vs Derry City Prediction – 09.07.2026

We are heading to Bulgaria, where CSKA Sofia will host Derry City in the first match of the Europa League’s first qualifying round. The Bulgarian side is considered favourites to secure the win here, but we shall not underestimate the Irish side – maybe they are up for a surprise here? Let’s preview!

CSKA Sofia versus Derry City in a game from Europa League

CSKA Sofia vs Sutjeska Tips

  • CSKA Sofia to Win;
  • CSKA Sofia Over 2.5 Goals;
  • Derry City Under 0.5 Goals;

CSKA Sofia Preview and News

With 31 domestic titles won, CSKA Sofia are the most successful Bulgarian football club. Last season the Reds won the Bulgarian Cup, which allowed them a participation in Europa League. Now CSKA are aware that eliminating Derry City from the competition is what everyone expects of them.

This summer CSKA reinforced their squad with some big signings. The club signed a contract with Inter Milan’s ex-midfielder Stefano Sensi while they also signed Everton’s former player Jean-Philippe Gbamin. These two players are expected to increase the team’s overall quality and make it more competitive in Europe, too.

CSKA will go all-in in Sofia against Derry. The Bulgarian would like to secure an advantage in the scoreline before the second leg. Right now the manager Hristo Yanev have an amazing depth in his squad, so it’d be interesting to see what kind of a line-up he’s going to pick.

Derry City Preview and News

Derry City might not have the size of CSKA Sofia as a football institution, but as Irishmen they will fight until the end. In the Bulgarian capital they will try to get a result that is as good as possible. And hope for the best in the second leg in Derry.

Derry City are currently coached by the manager Tiernan Lynch – a man who’s leading the team since 2024. The Candystripes’ team is mainly formed of players from Ireland and England, but there are some exception – like Portugal’s Kevin dos Santos.

For the Candystripes it’s going to be crucial to offer a fight in midfield – that’s where they can win or lose this game. It means that players like Michael Duffy, Adam O’Reilly and Darragh Markey have to be at the top of their game in Sofia

Head-to-Head Matches

This is going to be the first time when CSKA Sofia and Derry City face each other in an official game.

CSKA Sofia vs Derry City Betting Preview

CSKA Sofia are the team to beat against Derry City in Europa League. The Reds made some huge signings in the summer, but it does not guarantee them the win of course. Most pundits believe that the Bulgarians will win easily this match, but you shall not forget that it’s also CSKA’s first game of the season – they might be a little rusty here. Let’s see!