Levski Sofia II vs CSKA Sofia III - Third League - Southwest

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Levski Sofia II and CSKA Sofia III together at the home ground on September 12, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Third League - Southwest occasion. Enzo Maresca verdict on Michael Carrick and Manchester United fixture issue - 'you need to adapt'.

The standings add context to the occasion — Levski Sofia II occupying 15th, CSKA Sofia III perched in 13th — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. The hosts have found wins hard to come by, DLLLD across their last five telling the story of a win rate of 14.29%. The visitors arrive short of confidence, DWLDD in their last five and a season win rate of just 14.29%. Where Levski Sofia II have built their campaign on solidity, CSKA Sofia III have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. During his 22 matches in charge, Oxford actually ranked as high as 14th in the table.

Set-piece efficiency and transition play often decide fixtures of this nature, and both managers will have been drilling those phases on the training ground. 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.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Against Leverkusen, what turned out to be the winning goal was scored by David Mokwa, a young striker plucked from Hoffenheim's reserves in January.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. The numbers tilt towards CSKA Sofia III, and a 1-2 away win looks the more probable outcome. Whatever the outcome, the Third League - Southwest fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".