FC Spartak Trnava vs FC CSKA 1948 Sofia prediction 22.07.2026 | UEFA Conference League Qualification

Spartak Trnava return to European action looking to build on a positive pre-season campaign.

Antonio Munoz’s side warmed up for Wednesday’s tie with an impressive 3:2 friendly victory against Besiktas, a result that should give them confidence before returning to competitive action.

A difficult pre-season campaign had seen the hosts fail to win any of six previous fixtures, including all five pre-season friendlies. 

The Slovakian side have more regular European experience than their Bulgarian opponents, but come into this contest as only narrow favourites to win Wednesday’s first-leg.

Recent results suggest a strong chance of both teams scoring this week. Trnava have seen BTTS land in each of their last five matches. 

Michal Duris is expected to lead the line, while Philip Azango, Roman Prochazka and Erik Daniel are among the attacking options available to the home side.

CSKA 1948 make the trip to Slovakia after a 2:2 draw against Spartak Varna last Friday.

Trailing 2:0 at the break, Mamadou Diallo pulled one back from the penalty spot before Frederic Maciel struck in the 77th minute to rescue a point for Aleksandar Aleksandrov’s side.

The Bulgarians enjoyed a strong pre-season build-up, winning four and losing just one of six friendly fixtures.

A 3:3 draw against Slovenia’s Maribor highlighted their quality in forward areas, but also reinforced some defensive concerns.

Head coach Aleksandar Aleksandrov is expected to make several changes to the side held by Spartak Varna last week.

Andre Hoffmann, Borislav Tsonev, Frederic Maciel and Moataz Zemzemi are all in contention to earn recalls after making half-time substitute appearances against Varna.