OFI vs CSKA Sofia Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips

OFI welcome CSKA Sofia to Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion on 20 August 2026 for a UEFA Europa League Play-offs tie that already looks like a finely balanced contest. With a group-stage place on the line, both clubs know this first leg could set the tone for the entire tie.

For OFI, this is a fresh start in Europe. Their Europa League team statistics show no matches played yet this season, so the Cretan side step into continental action as an unknown quantity at this level. CSKA Sofia, by contrast, arrive with meaningful Europa League form already in the books and will look to use that experience to gain an edge away from home.

From a betting and prediction perspective, this OFI vs CSKA Sofia Europa League play-off is one of the more intriguing ties on the coupon. The odds and prediction percentages suggest a near coin-flip, with neither side emerging as a clear favourite. That sets up a tight, tactical battle in Heraklion where small details and in-game management could be decisive.

OFI vs CSKA Sofia Key Stats

• OFI’s Europa League statistics show 0 matches played so far this season, with 0 goals scored and 0 conceded.
• CSKA Sofia have played 6 Europa League matches this season, winning 4, drawing 1 and losing 1.
• CSKA Sofia average 1.7 goals scored and 1.0 goals conceded per Europa League match, with 3 clean sheets from 6 games.

OFI vs CSKA Sofia — Tale of the Tape

• Position: Not available vs Not available
• Points: Not available vs Not available
• Goals For: Not available vs Not available
• Goals Against: Not available vs Not available
• Clean Sheets: OFI 0 (tournament statistics) vs CSKA Sofia 3 (tournament statistics)

There is no live group-stage standings table yet for this Europa League Play-offs phase, so classic metrics like rank and points are not available. Instead, the clearest contrast comes from tournament statistics: OFI are stepping into their first Europa League match of the campaign, while CSKA Sofia have already logged six fixtures.

Across those six matches, CSKA Sofia have combined a solid attack with a disciplined defence. They have scored 10 goals (1.7 per game) and conceded just 6 (1.0 per game), with 3 clean sheets. OFI’s slate is clean statistically, which makes them harder to profile but also means CSKA’s recent European rhythm could be a crucial advantage in the early stages of this tie.

OFI vs CSKA Sofia Key Matchups

OFI attacking unit vs CSKA Sofia defensive structure

With no individual top scorers or assist leaders listed for either side, the most meaningful matchup is collective: OFI’s forwards and attacking midfielders against a CSKA Sofia defence that has already proved itself in Europa League play.

CSKA Sofia’s Europa League numbers are impressive: only 6 goals conceded in 6 matches, and 3 clean sheets. They have also shown they can keep things especially tight away from home, conceding just 1 goal in 3 away fixtures (0.3 per game). That suggests OFI’s front line — featuring options like T. Fountas, A. Leya and T. Nuss — will have to be efficient with chances, as CSKA are unlikely to give up many clear-cut opportunities.

OFI defensive line vs CSKA Sofia’s balanced attack

On the other side, OFI’s back four will be tested by a CSKA Sofia attack averaging 1.7 goals per Europa League match. The Bulgarian side have split their 10 goals evenly between home and away (5 each), underlining that they carry threat regardless of venue.

CSKA Sofia’s scoring pattern is spread across the 90 minutes, with a notable share of goals coming in the 61–75 minute window. That points to a team capable of raising tempo after the hour mark. OFI defenders such as N. Marinakis, K. Krizmanić and D. Nikolaou will need to maintain concentration deep into the second half, especially if the match is finely poised.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

There are no recorded recent head-to-head meetings between OFI and CSKA Sofia in the available data, so this Europa League Play-offs clash effectively starts a new chapter between the clubs.

OFI vs CSKA Sofia Prediction

The overall prediction metrics underline how finely balanced this tie is. The win probabilities are split evenly at 33% for an OFI win, 33% for the draw and 33% for a CSKA Sofia victory. That reflects the clash between OFI’s home advantage and CSKA’s superior Europa League match sharpness.

CSKA Sofia’s recent tournament form is strong: 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat from 6 Europa League matches, with 10 goals scored and only 6 conceded. Their last-five record in all recent games (67 form index, with 7 goals scored and 4 conceded across 5 matches) suggests a side that is both productive going forward and generally solid at the back.

OFI, by contrast, are a statistical blank in this competition so far. That uncertainty, combined with the Heraklion factor, makes a tight, low-scoring encounter more likely than an open shootout. With no clear favourite from the prediction percentages and the market pricing the match almost as a coin flip, a cautious first leg where neither side wants to take excessive risks seems plausible.

Predicted Score: OFI 1-1 CSKA Sofia

OFI Recent Form

There is no recent Europa League form string available for OFI, and their tournament statistics show 0 matches played so far. They enter this Play-offs tie fresh, without prior European fixtures in the current campaign to draw on.

CSKA Sofia Recent Form

CSKA Sofia’s recent Europa League form is encouraging. Over 6 matches they have recorded 4 wins, 1 draw and just 1 loss, scoring 10 goals (1.7 per game) and conceding 6 (1.0 per game). Their last-five overall form index of 67, with 7 goals scored and 4 conceded, underlines a team that is in good shape heading into this play-off.

OFI Possible Starting Lineup

GK: N. Christogeorgos or Manouel Kalafatis; Defenders: N. Marinakis, K. Krizmanić, D. Nikolaou, Borja González; Midfielders: A. Bouchalakis, T. Androutsos, G. Kanellópoulos, Aitor Cantalapiedra; Forwards: T. Fountas, A. Leya.

OFI have a deep squad listed, with multiple options in every line. In goal, N. Christogeorgos and Manouel Kalafatis are among the candidates, while at the back experienced names like N. Marinakis and Borja González could anchor the defence. In midfield, A. Bouchalakis and T. Androutsos bring experience and balance, supported by creative profiles such as Aitor Cantalapiedra. Up front, T. Fountas and A. Leya provide pace and finishing ability. Without confirmed lineups or injuries, tactical flexibility is a strength, and OFI could switch between a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 depending on how aggressively they want to approach the first leg.

CSKA Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

GK: D. Evtimov; Defenders: Pastor, Adrián Lapeña, J. Gbamin, Á. Martino; Midfielders: Bruno Jordão, M. Ebong, M. Brahimi; Forwards/Attacking roles: I. Pittas, S. Godoy, J. Zwarts or Léo Pereira.

CSKA Sofia’s squad list suggests a side comfortable in multiple systems, which aligns with their Europa League use of formations such as 4-3-3, 4-4-2 and 3-5-2. D. Evtimov should provide stability in goal, protected by a back line that can blend the physical presence of J. Gbamin with the positional sense of Adrián Lapeña and Á. Martino. In midfield, Bruno Jordão and M. Ebong offer work rate and control, while M. Brahimi and Léo Pereira can add creativity and width. Up front, options like I. Pittas, S. Godoy and J. Zwarts give CSKA a mix of movement and penalty-box presence, ideal for an away leg where counter-attacking opportunities could be key.

OFI Team News

No significant absences reported.

CSKA Sofia Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

OFI:

• None reported.

CSKA Sofia:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: OFI vs CSKA Sofia

Exactly 3 distinct betting ideas for this Europa League Play-offs clash:

• Result Tip: Draw With the prediction probabilities split evenly at 33% for home, 33% for draw and 33% for away, and CSKA Sofia’s solid but not overwhelming edge in recent Europa League form, the stalemate looks a logical outcome for a first leg. Across bookmakers, the draw is priced between 3.10 and 3.58, implying an approximate probability range of 27.9% (1 ÷ 3.58 × 100) to 32.3% (1 ÷ 3.10 × 100). That sits slightly below the model’s 33% draw chance, suggesting a small value angle on the draw.
• Goals Tip: Under 2.5 goals CSKA Sofia average 1.7 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per Europa League match, but away from home they concede just 0.3 per game. OFI have no recorded Europa League goals yet this season, and first legs in play-off ties often start cautiously. While specific under/over odds for this fixture are not provided, the combination of CSKA’s strong away defence and the evenly matched win probabilities supports a low-scoring game profile, making under 2.5 goals a sensible angle where odds allow.
• Value Tip: CSKA Sofia Double Chance (Away or Draw) The match-winner odds show OFI as a very marginal market favourite: home win ranges from 2.40 to 2.49 (implied 40.2% to 41.7%), while CSKA Sofia range from 2.75 to 3.00 (implied 33.3% to 36.4%). Given CSKA’s superior Europa League sample — 4 wins and just 1 loss in 6 games, plus 3 clean sheets — backing them not to lose (away or draw) looks a pragmatic value play. While double-chance prices are not listed, they will naturally sit shorter than the straight away win but still reflect an opportunity to side with the more battle-tested European team while protecting against the draw.

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.