Copenhagen vs Ludogorets Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Copenhagen managed a smash and grab victory over Ludogorets last week when they visited the Bulgarians. The visitors conceded the majority of possession and had far less of an attacking influence over the 90 minutes but two goals without reply put them in a commanding position. Claudiu Keseru saved some of Ludogorets blushes with an 81st minute goal to keep them in the tie, but it will be an uphill battle for the visitors here.

Copenhagen followed this excellent victory by returning to action in the Danish Superliga after lengthy winter break. They drew 0-0 at home to Brondby to retain their 11 point lead at the top of the table, and despite a poor showing in the winter friendlies, competitively they are looking in excellent shape.

Their last competitive defeat was all the way back in October when Leicester defeated them in the Champions League group stages, and since then they have won 11 of their 14 games. That loss at Leicester is their only defeat of the season so far as well.

At home it gets even better for the Danish champions, with them winning 13 and drawing four of their 17 matches in all competitions. As long as they can extend this unbeaten streak at home they will find themselves in the draw for the next round of the Europa League.

Ludogorets’ defeat last week ended their own ten match unbeaten streak in all competitions, and now they find themselves needing to bounce back with a victory to stand any chance of remaining in the competition.

Away from home they do have an impressive record of five wins and one draw from their last six games, but aside from their 2-2 draw at PSG, their opponents have largely been a lot weaker than Copenhagen. Let’s not forget that they were battered 6-0 at Arsenal in the Champions League group stages as well and couldn’t manage to find a victory in Basel either.

Copenhagen, meanwhile, went unbeaten at home in their Champions League group stage, drawing against Leicester and Porto and thrashing Club Brugge 4-0. All of these group games resulted in a clean sheet for Copenhagen, and I expect they will be aiming for the same again here, rather than going all out for the win. Copenhagen have kept a clean sheet in ten competitive home matches on the bounce now, so defensively we know they are very well drilled.

Ludogorets need at least two goals on Thursday, and the hosts haven’t conceded two goals at home in almost a year now. Even if Ludogorets do get a goal I would still expect Copenhagen to sit back and defend their lead, so odds of 4/5 for Both Teams Not to Score look good value for money. I’m also going for a 1-0 win for the hosts at 11/2 for my correct score predictions.