Match Overview

The match of the 3rd round in the 2025/26 group stage between Swiss side Young Boys and Bulgarian club Ludogorets will take place on October 23 at the Wankdorf Stadium (Stade de Suisse) in Bern. This preview provides a detailed prediction, betting odds, and key statistics for the Young Boys vs Ludogorets encounter.

Young Boys Team Overview

The Swiss club, Young Boys, after suffering a heavy 1-4 home defeat to Panathinaikos in the first round, managed to regain fan confidence by securing a 2-0 away victory against FCSB. This loss to the Greek team stands as their only defeat in their last five matches (3 wins, 1 draw). Young Boys has consistently scored in their last six fixtures in this competition. However, their defense has been vulnerable, conceding in six of their previous eight games. Giorgio Contini’s squad currently sits in 19th place in the tournament standings.

Key Statistics for Young Boys

• The team has failed to score more than one goal in six of their last eight encounters.
• At home in this tournament, the Swiss club has an uncompromising 14-match streak (8 wins, 6 losses).
• Young Boys has conceded goals in their last six home games in the .

Young Boys’ Probable Starting Lineup (4-4-2)

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

Defenders Gregory Wüthrich and midfielder Alvyn Sanchez are sidelined due to injuries.

Ludogorets Team Overview

The Bulgarian team Ludogorets failed to build on their 2-1 first-round victory over Malmö, losing 0-2 to Betis in their previous fixture. Notably, Ludogorets has secured only two wins in their last 12 matches (4 draws, 6 losses), failing to score in six of these games. Furthermore, they have conceded goals in their last seven outings. Rui Mota’s men are currently placed 21st in the tournament standings.

Key Statistics for Ludogorets

• Both teams scored in five of Ludogorets’ last seven matches.
• Away from home in this tournament, the club has avoided defeat in six of their previous eight fixtures, registering three wins.
• In five of their last six away games in the , the Bulgarians have scored no more than one goal.

Ludogorets’ Probable Starting Lineup (4-3-3)

Sergio Padt – Son, Dinis Almeida, Edvin Kurtuluş, Anton Nedyalkov – Pedro Naressi, Petar Stanić, Filip Kaloč – Eric Bille, Caio Vidal, Eric Marcus.

Midfielders Agibu Camara and Kwadwo Duah are out due to injuries.

Match Official

Mohammad Al-Emara (Finland)

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

Yellow Cards Issued (including second yellow): 41;

Average Yellow Cards per Match: 3.7;

Red Cards Issued: 4;

Average Fouls per Match: 25;

Penalties Awarded: 45%.

Match Prediction for Young Boys vs Ludogorets

The victory in the previous round marked Young Boys’ third win in their last four matches, yet it was their first with a margin greater than a single goal. At their home ground in this tournament, Young Boys have displayed uncompromising results, avoiding draws in their last 14 fixtures. Moreover, in five of their eight home victories during this period, the club achieved wins by the narrowest of margins.

Ludogorets have demonstrated solid performances in the even when playing away, remaining unbeaten in six of their last eight road games (3 wins, 3 draws). It’s crucial to note that one of Ludogorets’ defeats was by a single goal, and in another 0-2 loss, the final goal was conceded in injury time. Additionally, the Bulgarian team consistently finds the back of the net, which will be a significant advantage against a Young Boys side that has conceded at least two goals in their last five home encounters.

I believe the visitors are capable of holding a positive handicap. My forecast is “Ludogorets with a handicap of (+1)”  for odds of 1.60