CSKA Sofia vs Arda Kardzhali - First League

The history between CSKA Sofia and Arda Kardzhali lends this First League fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 12, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Chelsea take on Serie A giants Juventus in Hong Kong this morning in the latest fixture on their pre-season tour of Asia.

A glance at the First League table tells the story: CSKA Sofia in 2nd and Arda Kardzhali in 5th, with positions to defend and places to climb. The hosts have been imperious, W in their last five underpinning an elite win rate of 75% that marks them out as genuine contenders. The visitors have been picking up results steadily, L over their last five with a campaign win rate of 55.56%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — CSKA Sofia average 2.63 per game to Arda Kardzhali's 1.56, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Tuchel's subs, Rodri's rank, Messi's masterclass - World Cup highs & lows.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both CSKA Sofia and Arda Kardzhali have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

The fixture boasts genuine star quality. With Frédéric Maciel topping the First League scoring charts at 1 goals, the stage is set for the kind of individual brilliance that can swing a contest. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has been praised by defender Josko Gvardiol for his early sessions with the team.

Current market odds — CSKA Sofia at 1.7100, the draw at 3.2000, Arda Kardzhali at 5.5000 — point to a competitive affair. The pricing reflects CSKA Sofia's home advantage and the form they carry into the contest. On form, standings and home advantage, CSKA Sofia are firm favourites — a 3-2 triumph is the predicted outcome. With positions in the First League table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.