The Matchday 3 encounter in the Europa League 2025/26 between Young Boys (Switzerland) and Ludogorets (Bulgaria) will take place on October 23 at the Stade de Suisse in Bern. Young Boys vs. Ludogorets: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Young Boys
After suffering a heavy home defeat to Panathinaikos (1-4) in the first round, the Swiss side redeemed themselves with a 2-0 away victory over FCSB. The loss to the Greeks is their only defeat in the last five Europa League matches (3 wins, 1 draw). Young Boys have been scoring consistently in six consecutive matches in this tournament. However, they have also been vulnerable at the back, conceding in six of their last eight Europa League games. Giorgio Contini's men currently sit in 19th place in the standings.
- The team has not scored more than one goal in six of their last eight Europa League matches.
- At home in this tournament, the Swiss have a 14-match streak without a draw (8 wins, 6 losses).
- The club has conceded in six consecutive home games in the Europa League.
Predicted lineup for Young Boys (4-4-2)
Marvin Keller – Loris Benito, Jowan Hadjam, Sandro Lauper, Saidy Janko – Edimilson Fernandes, Rayan Raveloson, Darian Males, Joel Monteiro – Armin Gigovic, Chris Bedia.
Defender Gregory Wüthrich and midfielder Alvin Sanches will miss the game due to injuries.
Ludogorets
The Bulgarians failed to build on their opening round victory over Malmo (2-1) and lost 0-2 to Betis in their last match. Notably, Ludogorets have won only two of their last 12 Europa League matches (4 draws, 6 losses), failing to score in six of those games. They have also conceded in seven consecutive Europa League matches. Rui Mota's team is currently 21st in the standings.
- Both teams have scored in five of Ludogorets' last seven Europa League matches.
- In away games in this tournament, the club has avoided defeat in six of their last eight matches, securing three wins.
- In five of their last six away games in the Europa League, the Bulgarians have not scored more than once.
Predicted lineup for Ludogorets (4-3-3)
Sergio Padt – Son, Dinis Almeida, Edwin Kurtulus, Anton Nedyalkov – Pedro Naressi, Petar Stanic, Filip Kaloc – Eric Bille, Caio Vidal, Eric Markus.
Midfielders Aguibou Camara and Kwadwo Duah are injured.
Referee
Mohammad Al-Emara (Finland)
Matches – 11 (International matches, 2024/25 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 41;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.7;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 45%.
Match Prediction: Young Boys vs. Ludogorets
The victory in the last round was Young Boys' third in their last four Europa League matches, and notably, the first achieved with a margin greater than one goal. At home, the Swiss side has shown uncompromising results, avoiding draws in 14 consecutive matches in this tournament. In five of the eight wins during this period, the club secured victory with a minimal goal difference.
The Bulgarians have shown decent results in the Europa League even on the road, avoiding defeat in six of their last eight matches (3 wins, 3 draws). It's important to note that one of Ludogorets' losses was by a single goal, and in the other 0-2 defeat, the club conceded the final goal in added time. Additionally, the team regularly finds the back of the net, which will be a factor against the Swiss, who have conceded at least two goals in their last five home Europa League matches.
I believe the visitors can maintain a positive handicap. My prediction: Ludogorets with a handicap (+1)
