Match Overview

This October 23, Young Boys (Switzerland) will host Ludogorets (Bulgaria) at the Stade de Suisse in Bern for a UEFA 2025/26 Group Stage match, part of the 3rd round. This comprehensive preview delves into the teams’ current form, statistics, and provides a betting prediction.

Young Boys Team Analysis

Young Boys’ Current Form

The Swiss side, Young Boys, bounced back from a significant 1:4 home defeat to Panathinaikos in their opening fixture. They successfully redeemed themselves by securing a 2:0 away victory against FCSB. This loss to the Greek team is their sole defeat across their last five outings, a period which includes three wins and one draw. Notably, Young Boys have consistently found the net in their last six matches in this competition. However, their defensive record is less impressive, as they’ve conceded in six of their last eight games. Managed by Giorgio Contini, the team currently sits in 19th position in the overall standings.

• They have managed to score more than one goal in only two of their last eight encounters.
• At home in this competition, the Swiss team has an extensive 14-match streak without a single draw, comprising 8 wins and 6 losses.
• The club’s defense has been breached in each of their last six home fixtures in the .

Young Boys’ Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)* 

Marvin Keller – Loris Benito, Jaouan Hadjam, Sandro Lauper, Saidy Janko – Edimilson Fernandes, Rayan Raveloson, Darian Males, Joël Monteiro – Armin Gigovic, Chris Bedia.

Team News: Injuries and Absences for Young Boys

Defender Gregory Wüthrich and midfielder Alvyn Sanches are sidelined due to injuries.

Ludogorets Team Analysis

Ludogorets’ Current Form

Ludogorets, the Bulgarian side, couldn’t maintain the momentum from their 2:1 opening-round triumph against Malmö, succumbing to a 0:2 defeat against Betis in their most recent fixture. Their performance in the has been generally inconsistent, with only two victories recorded in their last twelve matches in the competition, alongside four draws and six losses. A significant concern is their inability to score in six of these twelve games. Furthermore, their defense has been vulnerable, conceding goals in seven consecutive encounters. Under the guidance of Rui Mota, the team currently holds the 21st position in the league standings.

• Both teams have found the net in five of Ludogorets’ last seven fixtures.
• On the road in this competition, the club has shown resilience, avoiding defeat in six of their last eight away matches, including three victories.
• Ludogorets has been limited to scoring only a single goal or less in five of their last six away games in the .

Ludogorets’ Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)* 

Sergio Padt – Son, Dinis Almeida, Edwin Kurtulus, Anton Nedyalkov – Pedro Naressi, Petar Stanić, Filip Kaloč – Erik Bille, Caio Vidal, Erik Marcus. 

Team News: Injuries and Absences for Ludogorets

Midfielders Aguibou Camara and Kwadwo Duah are currently injured.

Match Official

Mohammad Al-Emara (Finland)

Referee Profile and Statistics

Matches officiated – 11 (International fixtures, 2024/25 – 2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 41;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.7;

Red cards shown – 4;

Average fouls per match – 25;

Penalties awarded – 45%.

Match Prediction: Young Boys vs Ludogorets

Young Boys’ Home Strength and Recent Performance

Young Boys’ recent victory marked their third win in four matches, yet it was notably their first with a margin exceeding one goal. When playing at home in this competition, the Swiss side consistently delivers decisive results, having not registered a draw in their last 14 fixtures. It’s worth highlighting that in five of their eight home wins during this impressive run, the club secured victory by the narrowest of margins.

Ludogorets’ Away Resilience and Offensive Threat

Ludogorets has demonstrated commendable performance in the , even when playing away, having avoided defeat in six of their last eight road games (comprising three wins and three draws). It’s significant to note that one of their two recent away losses was by a single goal, while in another 0:2 defeat, the decisive second goal was conceded in injury time. Furthermore, the Bulgarian team consistently finds the back of the net, an advantage that could prove crucial against a Young Boys side that has conceded at least two goals in five of their recent home fixtures.

Our Expert Betting Prediction

Considering these factors, I anticipate the visiting team will be able to maintain a positive handicap. My final prediction for this encounter is: Ludogorets with a (+1) Handicap, available at odds of 1.60.

Note on Lineups

* The starting lineup listed for each team reflects their previous match in this tournament.