Spartak Varna vs Lokomotiv Sofia - First League

A fascinating First League chapter awaits on September 20, 2026 when Spartak Varna take on Lokomotiv Sofia at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Ferencvaros v Real Madrid: Confirmed line-ups for Mourinho’s latest pre-season clash.

Both camps will view the First League meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Results have been in short supply for the hosts, with DDDLL across their last five and a campaign win rate of 22.22% that makes for grim reading. Lokomotiv Sofia are in the midst of a slump, LD over their last five and a paltry win rate of 0% summing up their struggles. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. The position of goalkeeper is vital in Fantasy Premier League.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Spartak Varna will look to impose their style on home soil, while Lokomotiv Sofia are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United 'are not proceeding' with a move for the Brighton midfielder.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer Frédéric Maciel, with 1 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. The former midfielder went on to choose that defensive combination a further five times - and they did not lose any of those games (W5, D1).

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.