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Lokomotiv Plovdiv vs Botev Plovdiv | First League - Summary Preview

AI-powered game intelligence with head-to-head stats and data-driven predictions.

Lokomotiv Plovdiv

D
L
L
W
W
D

25 May 2026

14:45 (UTC+0)

(1
-
1)

2

-

1

FT

Botev Plovdiv

W
L
L
L
W
W

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Balanced

May 25, 2026, 02:02 PM

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The Plovdiv derby ignites with Lokomotiv Plovdiv hosting Botev Plovdiv, a fierce local rivalry often transcending league positions. While neither side has anything tangible left to play for in the standings, derby pride and recent head-to-head history ensure this will be a combative affair.

Home Motivation

High

Lokomotiv Plovdiv has high motivation as they are 6th in the league with 52 points, just two points behind 5th place, and will be looking to solidify or improve their position in the final game.

Away Motivation

Medium

Botev Plovdiv has low motivation as they are 8th in the league with 43 points and mathematically cannot reach a European qualification spot or be relegated with 0 games remaining.

Market Picks

Portal Pulse

The Evidence

Betting Edge

Key Metrics

Home

Metric

Away

1.03

xG created per game

All comps (EWMA)

1.89

Bettors should note Botev Plovdiv's significant advantage in expected goals created (1.89 vs 1.03), indicating their greater capacity to generate scoring opportunities in recent matches.

-0.46

xG difference

All comps (EWMA)

0.45

Botev Plovdiv holds a positive xG difference of 0.45, while Lokomotiv Plovdiv is at -0.46, reflecting Botev Plovdiv's superior balance between creating and conceding chances.

0.88

Goals scored per game

All comps (EWMA)

1.54

The difference in recent-form goal output is stark: Botev Plovdiv averages 1.54 goals per game, nearly double Lokomotiv Plovdiv's 0.88, pointing to more consistent finishing from the away side.

2.75

Corners won per game

All comps (EWMA)

4.97

Botev Plovdiv wins significantly more corners per game (4.97 vs 2.75), suggesting a more aggressive attacking approach and sustained pressure in the opponent's third.

1.3

PPG (3/1/0)

All comps (last 10 matches)

1.6

In their last 10 matches across all competitions, Botev Plovdiv has accumulated more points per game (1.6) than Lokomotiv Plovdiv (1.3), indicating better recent momentum.

14.95

Fouls per game

All comps (EWMA)

12.05

Lokomotiv Plovdiv commits more fouls per game (14.95 vs 12.05) on a recent-form basis, which could be a factor in a fiery derby with a strict referee.

Form & Streaks

Lokomotiv Plovdiv have drawn 4 of their last 10 matches across all competitions (3W,4D,3L in 10).

Botev Plovdiv have won 5 of their last 10 matches across all competitions (5W,1D,4L in 10).

Lokomotiv Plovdiv have maintained a clean sheet in 40% of their last 10 matches across all competitions.

Botev Plovdiv has seen BTTS occur in only 10% of their last 10 away matches across all competitions.

Tactical Overview

This derby pits two teams largely playing for pride, with both Lokomotiv Plovdiv (5th, 46 pts) and Botev Plovdiv (8th, 40 pts) unable to alter their final league standings or secure Conference League qualification. Lokomotiv Plovdiv comes into this match having won 3 of their last 10 across all competitions, but their recent home form has seen them win 4, draw 4, and lose 2 in their last 10 at this venue. They recently secured a 2-0 win over Botev Plovdiv just three weeks ago, demonstrating a tactical edge in the immediate past. On a recent-form basis, Lokomotiv Plovdiv is trending at a low 1.03 xG created per game and 0.88 goals scored per game, indicating struggles in attack. They will be without Adrián Cova due to suspension, but count on the defensive solidity of Martin Ruskov and midfield control from Petar Umarbayev. Botev Plovdiv, despite their lower league standing, presents a more potent attacking threat, creating 1.89 xG per game and scoring 1.54 goals per game in recent form. They've won 5 of their last 10 across all competitions, though their away record in the league has seen 3 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses in their last 10. The insider buzz suggests Botev Plovdiv's attacking style, facilitated by players like Lucas Araújo and Nikola Iliev, could exploit defensive gaps, especially with Antoine Conté bolstering their backline upon return. The last five H2H meetings have been tight, with Lokomotiv Plovdiv holding a slight advantage of 2 wins.

Match Context

Lineup Updates

Based on reports

Key Players

Lokomotiv Plovdiv will rely on their defensive solidity and the leadership of players like Martin Ruskov in the backline. Midfielder Petar Umarbayev is important for controlling the tempo of the game and distributing the ball, while Dinis Iliev provides a creative spark in attack.

Absences

Adrián Cova

yellow card suspension

BAN

Home

Key Players

Lokomotiv Plovdiv will rely on their defensive solidity and the leadership of players like Martin Ruskov in the backline. Midfielder Petar Umarbayev is important for controlling the tempo of the game and distributing the ball, while Dinis Iliev provides a creative spark in attack.

Absences

Adrián Cova

yellow card suspension

BAN

Away

Key Players

Botev Plovdiv's key available players include goalkeeper Daniel Naumov, who provides a strong presence in goal. In midfield, Lucas Araújo is crucial for ball winning and distribution, while Nikola Iliev offers offensive contributions. Antoine Conté is expected to return and bolster the defense.

Absences

Absence information is not yet available. Check back closer to kickoff for confirmed lineups.

Lineup info is never 100% confirmed until matchday. Additional players may be unavailable.

Referee Profile

D. Dimitrov

13 matches officiated · 2025/26

average

Cards/G

5.1

Fouls/G

24.3

Pen Rate

0.31

Normal

Referee D. Dimitrov averages 5.14 cards per game in 13 First League matches this season, which is a relatively high figure for this competition. This tendency for stricter officiating, combined with the inherently fiery nature of a local derby, increases the likelihood of cards. His average of 0.31 penalties per game also indicates he is not shy about awarding spot-kicks, adding another layer of risk in the box.

Key Note

awards penalties at 0.31/game.

Weather & Field

Good Conditions

27C, mostly cloudy

Temperature

27.3°C

Rain Chance

10%

Wind

5 km/h

Humidity

36%

The weather conditions for the match are not expected to have a significant impact. With a temperature of 27.3°C, mostly cloudy skies, and light winds at 5 km/h, the playing surface and aerial balls should be unaffected. Rain probability is low at 10%, ruling out any wet pitch effects on ball control or passing.

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