It looks like Levski Sofia are running out of steam after playing four rounds in the UCL qualifiers. Salzburg are tipped to win on Thursday.
Key Stats
- Levski Sofia are winless in their last 2 matches.
- Salzburg have won 6 of their last 7 matches.
Third Head to Head Meeting
These two clubs battled in the Europa League group stages in 2009, Salzburg winning on both occasions.
Levski Back to the Big Scene
Levski Sofia had an amazing run in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, eliminating Borac Banja Luka, Universitatea Craiova and Kairat Almaty before losing to AEK Athens 4-0 on aggregate in the playoffs.
Their form has declined slightly in the last couple of weeks. After eight straight victories in the Bulgarian top flight, they were held to a goalless draw by Botev Vratsa last weekend.
Also, Levski Sofia battled CSKA Sofia in the Bulgarian Super Cup last week and lost 4-2 which was their worst defensive performance of the season so far.
Salzburg Cruised Past Mjallby in the Playoffs
Salzburg had no problems in the Europa League qualifying playoffs against Mjallby, beating the Swedish champions 1-0 on the road and 3-0 at home to secure a spot in the main phase.
The Bulls claimed three straight victories across competitions after that, outplaying Austria Wien 4-1, Rapid Wien 5-1 and St Polten 3-0 (Austrian Cup). Haris Tabakovic scored four goals across these matches.
Last weekend, Salzburg were held to a 1-1 draw on the road against Ried, ending this match with 1.56-0.82 xG, 69% possession and 24-8 shots.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Levski Sofia (4-2-3-1) Svetoslav Vutsov; Aldair Neves, Kristian Dimitrov, Christian Makoun, Maicon; Marko Grujic, Gasper Trdin; Armstrong Oko-Flex, Serginho, Everton Bala; Reinaldo
Nikola Serafimov and Akram Bouras sidelined by injury while Radoslav Kirilov, Mustapha Sangare, and Oliver Kamdem are ineligible.
Nikola Serafimov and Akram Bouras sidelined by injury while Radoslav Kirilov, Mustapha Sangare, and Oliver Kamdem are ineligible.
Salzburg (4-3-1-2) Christian Zawieschitzky; Nikolas Veratschnig, Kevin Boma, Valentin Zabransky, Dominik Schmid; Bartosz Mazurek, Abubakr Barry, Maurits Kjaergaard; Sota Kitano; Edmund Baidoo, Haris Tabakovic
Salzburg have traveled to Bulgaria dealing with their own selection issues, as Christian Fruchtl, Justin Omoregie, Soumaila Diabate, and Gaoussou Diakite miss out through injury.
Salzburg have traveled to Bulgaria dealing with their own selection issues, as Christian Fruchtl, Justin Omoregie, Soumaila Diabate, and Gaoussou Diakite miss out through injury.