PLOVDIV, Bulgaria (Interstat) — Lokomotiv Plovdiv hosts PFK Arda 1924 Kardzhali on Friday, May 8, 2026, in a Bulgarian First League matchup that pits a resurgent home side against a struggling visitor.

Lokomotiv Plovdiv comes off a 2-0 derby win Sunday over city rival PFK Botev Plovdiv, snapping a two-game winless streak. Before that victory, the team had drawn 0-0 with Beroe and lost 1-0 to Cherno More Varna. Over the past month, Lokomotiv has shown defensive resilience, keeping clean sheets in four of its last six league matches.

The team’s most recent head-to-head meeting with Arda was a dominant 4-0 away win on April 22. That result extended Lokomotiv’s unbeaten run against Arda to two games, following a scoreless draw in August 2025.

Arda Kardzhali enters Friday’s match in poor form. The visitors have lost five of their last six league games, with the lone bright spot a 1-0 win over Ludogorets on April 15. In its most recent outing, Arda played to a 0-0 draw at home against Cherno More on May 3, but that result followed a 2-0 loss at Botev Plovdiv and the 4-0 defeat to Lokomotiv.

Overall this season, Arda has managed only three wins in its last 10 matches, with five losses and two draws. The team has scored just two goals in its past four fixtures and has been shut out in seven of its previous 11 away games.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-0 victory for Lokomotiv Plovdiv, reflecting the home side’s recent defensive solidity and Arda’s offensive struggles.

Both teams will meet again in a return fixture Saturday, May 16, at Arda’s home ground in Kardzhali. Lokomotiv also faces a busy schedule beyond that, with a home match against PFK CSKA Sofia on May 20.

Kickoff Friday is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time at Lokomotiv Stadium.