Qarabag vs CSKA Sofia - UEFA Europa League

Qarabag prepare to host CSKA Sofia at the home ground on July 23, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their UEFA Europa League season. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when Qarabag and CSKA Sofia cross paths in the UEFA Europa League, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. One position every Premier League club still needs to strengthen in before the transfer window closes.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Qarabag will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while CSKA Sofia must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

When V. Pavlidis is on the pitch — 5 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the UEFA Europa League's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. The agency Roc Nation are reportedly working on getting Real Madrid striker Endrick a transfer to the Premier League this summer.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.