Botev Plovdiv will welcome Maribor to the Hristo Botev Stadium on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League qualifying round tie.
Both teams aim to secure a strong position ahead of the second leg.
Botev Plovdiv Form and News
Botev Plovdiv returns to European competition after missing out last year. They previously participated in the Europa Conference League during the 2022-23 season but were eliminated early by APOEL.
Domestically, they finished a disappointing 10th but secured European qualification by winning the Bulgarian Cup, their first silverware since 2017.
Key Players for Botev Plovdiv
Martin Sekulic: Top scorer last season with 11 goals, Sekulic is crucial for Botev’s attacking strategy.
James Eto'o and Antonio Pereira: Key midfielders who were mainstays last season.
Nikola Iliev: A recent acquisition from Inter Milan, Iliev aims to make an impactful debut.
Hans Christian Bernat: Newly signed goalkeeper expected to start due to Stefan Smarkalev’s departure.
Maribor Form and News
Maribor is looking to advance past the qualifying rounds for the first time since the 2017-18 Champions League campaign.
Last season, they reached the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League but were defeated by Fenerbahce.
Domestically, they finished second in the Slovenian league, showing strong form throughout the season.
Key Players for Maribor
Josip Ilicic: After participating in Euro 2024, Ilicic is set to start. He contributed 8 goals and 11 assists last season.
Arnel Jakupovic: The leading scorer with 19 goals, Jakupovic will spearhead Maribor's attack.
El Arbi Hillel Soudani: Another offensive threat, having scored 15 goals in the last term.
Sven Karic: Key defender expected to anchor the backline.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Botev Plovdiv Possible Starting XI: Bernat; Ukaki, John, Videv, Balogiannis; Eto'o, Pereira, Iliev; Ujah, Sekulic, Maras
Maribor Possible Starting XI: Jug; Sirvys, Vidmar, Karic, Milec; Vrhovec, Lorber; Soudani, Ilicic, Bozic; Jakupovic
Prediction
The clash between Botev Plovdiv and Maribor is anticipated to be tightly contested.
Maribor arguably has more experience and quality on the European stage.
However, Botev will leverage their home advantage and recent cup success to mount a strong challenge.
Botev 
Maribor 
