AP Sports Preview

RAZGRAD, Bulgaria (Interstat) — PFK Ludogorets 1945 Razgrad hosts FK CSKA 1948 Sofia on Saturday in a Bulgarian First League matchup carrying significant momentum swings for both sides.

The April 25 game at Huvepharma Arena pits the reigning league power against a visiting side that has blown hot and cold this season.

Ludogorets enters after a 2-1 home loss to PFK CSKA Sofia on Tuesday, a result that snapped a modest unbeaten run. The setback followed a 1-0 defeat at Arda Kardzhali on April 15 and a scoreless draw at Cherno More. The home side has shown vulnerability, with three games without a win.

Yet Ludogorets has dominated recent history against Saturday’s opponent. On April 5, they blanked CSKA 1948 Sofia 3-0 at home. The teams’ last meeting Oct. 27 saw a wild 5-4 win for the visitors in Razgrad — a rare bright spot for CSKA 1948 in this fixture.

CSKA 1948 Sofia arrives with sharper recent form. They crushed Cherno More 4-0 on April 15, following a 1-0 win at Botev Vratsa on April 10. Their lone recent blemish was that April 5 loss to Ludogorets. The visitors have won four of their last five matches overall, outscoring opponents 9-0 in the last two.

Statistical projections favor a tight contest. Interstat’s game simulator forecasts a 1-1 draw.

CSKA 1948 has shown resilience away from home, with road victories over Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Slavia Sofia and Montana this season. Ludogorets, however, remains formidable in Razgrad, where they have posted dominant wins over CSKA Sofia and Levski Sofia in recent months.

Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday evening.