veseo
03-08-06, 17:20
With the new season only 1 day away I think a season preview for the Bulgarian league would be useful. Hope I do it right, it's my first time and I didn't find any rules for creating previews and I'm being guided by the other previews. Also, many thanks to Shevchenko_7 for his topic about the transfers, I'm using it for my preview. Hope it's not a problem, mate :wink:
Levski Sofia
Friendlies:
Levski - Haskovo 7:1
Levski - R. Sportist 1:0
Levski - Inter Bratislava(Svk) 1:1
Levski - OFK Beograd(Ser) 3:0
Levski - Brno(Che) 3:2
Levski - Ghor(Hun) 2:1
Levski - Korona(Pol) 3:2
Levski - Admira Vaker(AUS) 3:0
Levski - Hercules(SPA) 1:1
Best scorer in friendlies - Domovchiyski (4 goals)
Champions League matches:
Levski - Sioni (Geo) 2:0
Sioni - Levski 0:2
Bulgarian Supercup Trophy:
CSKA - Levski 3:0 (after penalties, 0:0 in full time)
IN: Nikolay Nikolov (Pirin GD), Veselin Minev (Botev Pd ), Atanas Bornousuzov (Tom, Rus)
OUT: Nikolay Petrov (Slavia), Asen Bukarev (free), Georgi Gorudzhiev (Sopron, Ung), Anton Vergilov (Rodopa,loan), Martin DImov (Rodopa,loan), Anton Kostadinov(Belasica), Galin Ivanov(Beroe), Petar Karamanov (Rilski Sportist)
Overview: Levski kept their excellent squad from the last year, adding the really promising defender Vesselin Minev (amongst the best players in his previous club - Botev Plovdiv) and midfielder Atanas Bornosuzov, both of which most probably are not going to be regular part of the first team. None of their first team players were sold that summer, despite the rumors of either Emil Angelov or Valeri Domovchiyski leaving the club. With the rivals CSKA not improving much enough since the spring downfall, Levski are one of the few sure pretendents for the title.
Expected finish: 1st or 2nd place
CSKA Sofia
Friendlies:
CSKA - Sfaxien (Tun) 3:1
CSKA - Rabotnicki(Mak) 2:0
CSKA - Hesteglal(Iran) 4:0
CSKA - Lokomotiv Sofia 2:1
Best Scorer in friendlies - Furtado, Trica (3)
UEFA Cup matches:
Dinamo Tirana - CSKA 0:1
CSKA - Dinamo Tirana (Alb) 4:1
Bulgarian Supercup Trophy:
CSKA - Levski 3:0 (after penalties, 0:0 in full time)
IN: Florentin Petre (DInamo B, Rum), Fransisco Martos (Barselona B, Spa), Robert Petrov (Loko Plovdiv), Ivaylo Petrov (Cherno more), Miroslav Manolov (Koneliano)
OUT: Mourad Hidiuad (Augsburg,Ger),Hristo Yanev (Grenoble,Fr), ALeksandar Mutavchich(free), Slavko Matic (free), Todor Kyuchukov (Beyra Mar,Por), Janik Boumsong (free), Matija Matko (free), ***1045;mil Gargorov (Strasbourg,Fr)
Overview: CSKA, following the downhill they suffered this summer HAD to bring in some new faces and they did it, unfortunately for them also selling some of their best players such as Yanev and Gargorov. Petre has shown some potential, also Ivaylo Petrov seems to be The Goalkeeper CSKA has been searching for the last year (they changed 3 or 4 keepers, none of which proved to any good) after the solid performance against Levski Sofia in the supercup. Despite the new faces, CSKA shouldn't be able to overcome the losses of the sold important players and most probably will have lost the fight for the title by the winter. I predict good performance nevertheless.
Expected finish - 2nd or 3rd place
Litex
Friendlies:
Litex - Rabotnicki (Mak) 0:2
Litex - Torpedo Moscow (Rus) 1:0
Litex - Roeselare (Bel) 4:1
Litex - Genk (Bel) 3:0
Litex - Club Brugge (Bel) 2:1
Litex - Marek 2:1
Litex - Dunav 2:1
Litex - Spartak Pleven 4:1
Best scorer in friendlies - Novakovic (5)
UEFA Cup matches:
Koper (Svn) - Litex 0:1
Litex - Koper 5:0
IN: Ivan Bandalovski (Feyenord, Hol), Anatoli Todorov (Vidima),Yordan Gospodinov (Panseraikos,Gre),Tis Sluiter(Herakles,Hol)
OUT: Ivan SKerlev, Tihomir Trifonov, Nikolay Cvetkov and Martin Kovachev(Dunav),Tiago Treishel(free), Gian-Philipe Caillet(Genk,Bel)
Overview: With the arrival of Bandalovski (Defender) and the attackers Anatoli Todorov and Tis Sluiter, the selection for the Lovech team is complete. The only important player, leaving for Genk is Gian-Philipe Caillet, who proved to be a regular part of the first team but I believe he'll be replaced by Bandalovski more than well. With the results of Litex in the friendlies, which were agains fairly good teams and the humiliatin win over Koper in the second match I believe that Litex will be the pleasand surprise of the year and are the only team that could prevent Levski from securing their 2nd title in a row.
Expected finish: 1-3 place.
Lokomotiv Sofia
Friendlies:
Loko Sofia - Loko Plovdiv 1:0
Loko Sofia - Gent(Bel) 0:1
Loko Sofia - Beitar(Isr) 4:2
Loko Sofia - Makabi Haifa(Isr) 3:1
Loko Sofia - Drava (Svn) 2:1
Loko Sofia - CSKA Sofia 1:2
Best scorer in the friendlies - Karadzhinov (3)
UEFA Cup matches:
Loko Sofia - FK Macedonia 2:0
FK Macedonia - Loko Sofia 1:1
IN: Ivan Pavlov (Pirin 1922), Lubomir Belichkov(Dunav),Ivo Ivanov(SPartak Pl), Georgi Markov (Ergotelis, Gre), Plamen Krumov (Zagorec)
OUT: Boris Kondev (Koneliano), ROsen Stoyanov(Belasica)
Overview: With no major signings or leaving players, Loko Sofia will most probably try to perform the same as the last year. The only name, which deserves to be looked at is the experienced defender Georgi Markov, who will surely improve the red-blacks' defense.
Expected finish - 3-6 place.
Cherno More
Friendlies:
Cherno More - Sliven 3:0
Cherno More - Dobrudzha 2:0
Cherno More - Energi Cotbus(Ger) 2:2
Cherno More - Herta Amateurs(Ger) 1:1
Cherno More - Tennis Borusia(Ger) 2:0
Cherno More - Heracles(Hol) 2:1
Cherno More - Dunav Ruse 3:1
Cherno More - Svetkavitsa 0:0
Best scorer in the friendlies - Velichkov (5)
IN: Boyko Velichkov(Ilisiakos, Gre),Georgi Georgiev (Dunav), Detelin Dimitrov (Dobrudzha), Nikolay STankov (Nesebar), Yordan Linkov (Vihren), Kiril Dzhorov(Rodopa)
OUT:Adailson,SOares, Lino Lopez, Andre Markejro Carvalho(free), Ivaylo Petrov(CSKA)
Overview: With losing their keeper Ivaylo Petrov and signing the fairly unknown keeper Linkov, the keeper position would not be so secure as the last season. No major signings on the other positions, but seeing the results in the friendlies I believe Cherno More to be another surprise this year. Don't expect a title chaser here, but a UEFA Cup place is really possible with their great manager Yasen Petrov, who is one of the best young managers in the country, along with the Levski Sofia's Stanimir Stoilov.
Expected finish: 4-8 place.
Lokomotiv Plovdiv
Friendlies:
Loko Plovdiv - Loko Sofia 0:1
Loko Plovdiv - Rabotnicki(Mak) 0:0
Loko Plovdiv - Spartak Plovdiv 3:2
Loko Plovdiv - Spartak Plovdiv 1:2
Loko Plovdiv - Treviso (Ita) 0:7
Loko Plovdiv - Chievo (Ita) 0:3
Loko Plovdiv - Udinese (Ita) 2:3
Best scorer in friendlies - 5 players with 1 goal
Intertoto matches:
Farul (Rom) - Lokomotiv Plovdiv 2:1
Lokomotiv - Farul 1:1
IN: Jordan Miliev (Apoli 99), Kostadin Janev(Pirin GD), Dakson (Bra),Andreval (Bra),Danail Bachkov(Sp***1072;rtak Pd), Alex (Bra),Atanas Arshinkov(Pirin Bl), Angel Yoshev(Conegliano), Rumen Goranov(Conegliano)
OUT: Robert Petrov (CSKA), Vladimir Ivanov (Slavia), Stoyan Kolev(Treviso,It),Sasa Lazarevski (free)
Overview: After the internal problems the club had the last fall, with their owner being killed, Lokomotiv is stabilizing more and more. This summer has brought quite alot young and promising players, from both Bulgaria and outside. No major names, though, except for Danail Bachkov probably, who is an ex-Lokomotiv Plovdiv player, so he could expect a warm welcome. The new owner has declared ambitions for the UEFA Cup, but I don't see this happening, judging from the friendlies and the performances in the Intertoto Cup. Still, don't count them out of the UEFA Cup places fight.
Expected finish - 4-8 place
Marek
Marek - Slavia 0:0
Marek - Loko Mezdra 2:1
Marek - Rilski Sportist 1:1
Marek - Velbujst Kustendil 1:1
Marek - Litex 1:2
Marek - Pirin Blagoevgrad 0:2
Marek - Pirin Gotze Delchev 3:1
Best scorer in friendlies - Krastovchev (3)
IN:Toni Pitoska (Bregalnica, FYR), Vladimir Zhillas(Bregalnica, FYR), Kiril Krystev (Pirin GD)
OUT: Ilia Iliev(Slavia),Hristo Petrov (Slavia), Ivaylo Pargov (Naftex), Svetoslav Georgiev, Rumen Kalchev(Lorka, Spa), Radoslav Bachev(Cherno more, Enyo Krastovchev,Tihomir Todorov (Rilski sportist)
Overview: With no major signings and two unknown foreigners, one of which is supposed to replace the leaving topscorer Krastovchev, seems like Marek are not going to have one of their best seasons.
Expected finish - Relegation battlers
Rodopa
Friendlies:
Rodopa - Levski Karlovo 2:0
Rodopa - Valex 2:0
Rodopa - Kaliakra 1:0
Rodopa - Arsenal (not the english one, hehe) 3:1
Rodopa - Chavdar 1:1
Rodopa - Loko Mezdra 1:0
Rodopa - Apoel R (Isr) 0:2
Rodopa - Vidima Rakovski 1:0
Rodopa - Pantrakikos(Gre) 3:0
Best scorer in friendlies - Rusev, Chipchev (3)
IN: Antion Vergilov(Levski Sofia), Martin Dimov (Levski Sofia), Stefan Uchikov(Lilas,Gre), Daniel Hristov (Naftex), Chetin Sadula (Levski), Ivan Todorov (Levski)
OUT:Kiril Dzhorov(Cherno more),Kostadin Dyakov(Levski),Emil Petkov (Nafteks), Vasil Vasilev (Vidima)
Overview: With another year with quite alot loans from their main club, Levski Sofia, Rodopa this time added their own player - the experienced midfielder, who had his best years in Botev Plovdiv. Still, no major names, but these should be enough for Rodopa to save.
Expected finish: Relegation battlers, eventually saving though.
Slavia
Friendlies:
Slavia - Marek 0:0
Slavia - Conegliano 2:1
Slavia - Minyor Pernik 4:1
Strasbourg(Fra) - Slavia 2:0
Slavia - Geisingen(Ger) 6:1
Slavia - Freiburg(Ger) 0:3
Slavia - Balingen(Ger) 1:1
Best scorer in friendlies - Stefanov (4)
IN: Vladimir Ivanov (Loko Pd), Kostadib Dzhambazov(Naftex***1089;), Kiril Dzhorov(Rodopa), Hristo Petrov (Marek), Nikolay Petrov (Levski), Ilia Iliev (Marek)
OUT: Blagoj Georgiev (Red Star,Serbia),DImityr Rangelov (Strasbourg,Fra), Yordan Petkov (Samsunspor, Tur***1094;***1080;***1103;), Daniel Gioshevski,Dimity Pashev (Marica), Kiril Dzhorov(Cherno more),Yanko Valkanov(***1052;***1058;***1047;-Ripo, Blr)
Overview: No major signings and the best two players, Blagoy Georgiev and Dimitar Rangelov, left the team. With the team not declaring any aims before the season, I see a calm mid-table finish.
Expected finish: Mid-table.
Belasitsa
Friendlies:
Belasitsa - Pirin Gotse Delchev 0:1
Belasitsa - Vihren 2:1
Belasitsa - Pelister(Mac) 3:2
Belasitsa - Rilski Sportist 1:1
Belasitsa - Beroe 1:1
Belasitsa - Pirin Blagoevgrad 6:0
Belasitsa - Pirin Blagoevgrad 0:0
Best scorer in friendlies - Three players with two goals.
IN: Anton Kostadinov (Levski,)
OUT: Sasho Yovkov (Hajduk, Croatia), Ivan Pinalov, Baya (Rilski sportist), Fabio (Rilski sportist)
Overview: Almost no signings and just four players leaving, none of which I know to have been important for the club last year, Belasitsa seem to be sure for the mid-table finish.
Expected finish - Mid-table.
Beroe
Friendlies:
Beroe - Maritsa 4:0
Beroe - AKB Minyor 0:0
Beroe - Hebar 0:0
Beroe - Chernomorets 0:2
Beroe - Sliven 1:0
Beroe - Belasitsa 1:1
Beroe - Arsenal Kazanlak 1:2
Beroe - Haskovo 1:1
Best scorer in friendlies - Spisich (2)
N: Nikolay Harizanov (Vidima), Galin Ivanov (Levski),Milcho Tanev (Loko Stz), Rosen Kaptiev (Vardar Skopije), Gerasim Zakov (Koneliano)
OUT: Bruno Fernandes, Danail Mitev
(Aarau, Swi), Emil Todorov (Chermomoretz), Ivan Tanchovski(Rodopa)
Overview: No major signings or leavings, also very bad results in friendly matches. Beroe will not play major role in this championship.
Expected finish: Mid-table/Relegation battlers.
Botev Plovdiv
Friendlies:
Botev - Maritsa 2:1
Botev - Shimbave(Ita) 12:0 (yes, no mistake :lol: )
Botev - Lugano(Swi) 1:0
Botev - Pro Vercelli(Ita) 2:3
Best scorer in friendlies - Grisha Ivanov (3)
IN: Emil Urumov (Spartak Plovdiv), Anastas Petrov (free), Ilya Garov (Spartak Plovdiv), Mirko Ilic (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, still not official), Stefan Krachunov (Maritsa, still not official)
OUT: Veselin Minev (Levski), Stefan Kostadinov (Rilski sportist), Dimitar Dumchev,Boris Blagoev (Belite orli), Dobri Dobrev (Nesebar)
Overview: With the whole summer being the trial for a few argentinian players, as always the club owner released them all and bought almost noone. The only good player coming to the club is Emil Urumov, whose loan to Spartak Plovdiv has ended and the club was left by their best defender - Veselin Minev, which is supposed to be replaced by the non-wanted-elsewhere rookie Ilya Garov. Don't let the good results in friendlies deceive you, Botev Plovdiv is most probably a sure relegate.
Expected finish: Relegation battlers, most probably not staying up
Vihren
Vihren - Pirin Razgrad 3:1
Vihren - Belasitsa 1:2
Vihren - Pirin Blagoevgrad 1:1
Vihren - Inter Baku(Ase) 3:2
Vihren - Pirin Gotse Delchev 2:1
Vihren - Panseraikos 1:0
Vihren - Rilski Sportits 3:1
Vihren - Lamia(Gre) 5:0
Best scorer in friendlies - Bachev (4)
VIHREN
IN: Osvaldo Saldania(Nasional, Por), Asen Georgiev (Pirin 1922)
OUT: Jordan Linkov (Cherno more), Metodi Stoynev (free)
Overview: With all the chaos in the club, owner hiring and releasing TWO managers only in the summer, the club didn't do their preparation for the new season and, adding the fact that almost noone has been bought but their main goalkeeper and striker got released, Vihren are amongst the candidates and even favourites for relegation.
Expected finish: Relegation battlers, probably not staying up.
Chernomorets Bourgas (Sofia)
Friendlies:
Chernomorets Bourgas (Sofia) - Olympiakos(Cyp) 2:2
Chernomorets Bourgas (Sofia) - Slavia 1:2
Best scorer in friendlies - three players with one goal
IN: Boris Kondev (Loko Sf)
OUT: Gerasim Zakov (Beroe), Miroslav Manolov (CSKA), Rumen Trifonov, Nikolay Nikolov, Ivan Tersiyski, Hristo Mitov ,Kraen Vylkov (Naftex),ANgel Yoshev(Loko Pd),Rumen Goranov (Loko Pd)
Overview: Another team in chaos. Known as seeder team for CSKA Sofia, newcomer Chernomorets Bourgas (Sofia) lost this status as CSKA decided to give up the support for them. The result - almost a whole starting team leaving the club, noone coming in and only two friendlies before the season. Relegaters for sure.
Expected finish: Relegaters for sure.
Spartak Varna
Spartak Varna - Shabla 7:0
Spartak Varna - Chernomorets 1:5
Spartak Varna - Shumen 5:1
Spartak Varna - Chernomorets Byala 3:1
Spartak Varna - Svetkavitsa 0:2
Spartak Varna - Svetkavitsa 3:1
Spartak Varna - Dobrudzha 1:0
Best scorer in friendlies - Filipov (3)
SPARTAK VARNA
IN:Stoyan Abrashev(CSKA), Ivaylo Vasilev (CSKA)
OUT:-
Overview: Noone leaving this newcomer but only two players are being brought into and both of them were released on free from CSKA as they were not needed. Not impressive transfers but fairly impressive friendlies. If not more, this team seems like a good one for overs, :lol:
Overview: Relegation battlers
Rilski Sportist
Rilski Sportist - Levski 0:1
Rilski Sportist - Agia Napa(Cyp) 1:1
Rilski Sportist - Marek 1:1
Rilski Sportist - Belasitsa 1:1
Rilski Sportist - Vihren 1:3
Best scorer in friendlies - Aleksandrov (2)
RILSKI SPORTIST
IN: Petyr Karamanov (Levski), Tihomir Todorov (Marek)
OUT:-
Overview: Weak selection as well and the results in the friendlies are no good too. Relegation for them.
Expected finish: Relegation battlers, most probably relegating.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's the conclusion:
Title chasers - Levski Sofia, Litex, CSKA Sofia.
UEFA Cup spot chasers - Lokomotiv Sofia, Cherno More, Lokomotiv Plovdiv
Mid-table teams - Slavia, Belasitsa, Beroe
Mid-table to relegation battlers - Marek, Rodopa
Relegation battlers - Chernomorets Bourgas (Sofia), Botev Plovdiv, Rilski sportist, Spartak Varna, Vihren.
Good luck to everybody :wink:
Levski Sofia
Friendlies:
Levski - Haskovo 7:1
Levski - R. Sportist 1:0
Levski - Inter Bratislava(Svk) 1:1
Levski - OFK Beograd(Ser) 3:0
Levski - Brno(Che) 3:2
Levski - Ghor(Hun) 2:1
Levski - Korona(Pol) 3:2
Levski - Admira Vaker(AUS) 3:0
Levski - Hercules(SPA) 1:1
Best scorer in friendlies - Domovchiyski (4 goals)
Champions League matches:
Levski - Sioni (Geo) 2:0
Sioni - Levski 0:2
Bulgarian Supercup Trophy:
CSKA - Levski 3:0 (after penalties, 0:0 in full time)
IN: Nikolay Nikolov (Pirin GD), Veselin Minev (Botev Pd ), Atanas Bornousuzov (Tom, Rus)
OUT: Nikolay Petrov (Slavia), Asen Bukarev (free), Georgi Gorudzhiev (Sopron, Ung), Anton Vergilov (Rodopa,loan), Martin DImov (Rodopa,loan), Anton Kostadinov(Belasica), Galin Ivanov(Beroe), Petar Karamanov (Rilski Sportist)
Overview: Levski kept their excellent squad from the last year, adding the really promising defender Vesselin Minev (amongst the best players in his previous club - Botev Plovdiv) and midfielder Atanas Bornosuzov, both of which most probably are not going to be regular part of the first team. None of their first team players were sold that summer, despite the rumors of either Emil Angelov or Valeri Domovchiyski leaving the club. With the rivals CSKA not improving much enough since the spring downfall, Levski are one of the few sure pretendents for the title.
Expected finish: 1st or 2nd place
CSKA Sofia
Friendlies:
CSKA - Sfaxien (Tun) 3:1
CSKA - Rabotnicki(Mak) 2:0
CSKA - Hesteglal(Iran) 4:0
CSKA - Lokomotiv Sofia 2:1
Best Scorer in friendlies - Furtado, Trica (3)
UEFA Cup matches:
Dinamo Tirana - CSKA 0:1
CSKA - Dinamo Tirana (Alb) 4:1
Bulgarian Supercup Trophy:
CSKA - Levski 3:0 (after penalties, 0:0 in full time)
IN: Florentin Petre (DInamo B, Rum), Fransisco Martos (Barselona B, Spa), Robert Petrov (Loko Plovdiv), Ivaylo Petrov (Cherno more), Miroslav Manolov (Koneliano)
OUT: Mourad Hidiuad (Augsburg,Ger),Hristo Yanev (Grenoble,Fr), ALeksandar Mutavchich(free), Slavko Matic (free), Todor Kyuchukov (Beyra Mar,Por), Janik Boumsong (free), Matija Matko (free), ***1045;mil Gargorov (Strasbourg,Fr)
Overview: CSKA, following the downhill they suffered this summer HAD to bring in some new faces and they did it, unfortunately for them also selling some of their best players such as Yanev and Gargorov. Petre has shown some potential, also Ivaylo Petrov seems to be The Goalkeeper CSKA has been searching for the last year (they changed 3 or 4 keepers, none of which proved to any good) after the solid performance against Levski Sofia in the supercup. Despite the new faces, CSKA shouldn't be able to overcome the losses of the sold important players and most probably will have lost the fight for the title by the winter. I predict good performance nevertheless.
Expected finish - 2nd or 3rd place
Litex
Friendlies:
Litex - Rabotnicki (Mak) 0:2
Litex - Torpedo Moscow (Rus) 1:0
Litex - Roeselare (Bel) 4:1
Litex - Genk (Bel) 3:0
Litex - Club Brugge (Bel) 2:1
Litex - Marek 2:1
Litex - Dunav 2:1
Litex - Spartak Pleven 4:1
Best scorer in friendlies - Novakovic (5)
UEFA Cup matches:
Koper (Svn) - Litex 0:1
Litex - Koper 5:0
IN: Ivan Bandalovski (Feyenord, Hol), Anatoli Todorov (Vidima),Yordan Gospodinov (Panseraikos,Gre),Tis Sluiter(Herakles,Hol)
OUT: Ivan SKerlev, Tihomir Trifonov, Nikolay Cvetkov and Martin Kovachev(Dunav),Tiago Treishel(free), Gian-Philipe Caillet(Genk,Bel)
Overview: With the arrival of Bandalovski (Defender) and the attackers Anatoli Todorov and Tis Sluiter, the selection for the Lovech team is complete. The only important player, leaving for Genk is Gian-Philipe Caillet, who proved to be a regular part of the first team but I believe he'll be replaced by Bandalovski more than well. With the results of Litex in the friendlies, which were agains fairly good teams and the humiliatin win over Koper in the second match I believe that Litex will be the pleasand surprise of the year and are the only team that could prevent Levski from securing their 2nd title in a row.
Expected finish: 1-3 place.
Lokomotiv Sofia
Friendlies:
Loko Sofia - Loko Plovdiv 1:0
Loko Sofia - Gent(Bel) 0:1
Loko Sofia - Beitar(Isr) 4:2
Loko Sofia - Makabi Haifa(Isr) 3:1
Loko Sofia - Drava (Svn) 2:1
Loko Sofia - CSKA Sofia 1:2
Best scorer in the friendlies - Karadzhinov (3)
UEFA Cup matches:
Loko Sofia - FK Macedonia 2:0
FK Macedonia - Loko Sofia 1:1
IN: Ivan Pavlov (Pirin 1922), Lubomir Belichkov(Dunav),Ivo Ivanov(SPartak Pl), Georgi Markov (Ergotelis, Gre), Plamen Krumov (Zagorec)
OUT: Boris Kondev (Koneliano), ROsen Stoyanov(Belasica)
Overview: With no major signings or leaving players, Loko Sofia will most probably try to perform the same as the last year. The only name, which deserves to be looked at is the experienced defender Georgi Markov, who will surely improve the red-blacks' defense.
Expected finish - 3-6 place.
Cherno More
Friendlies:
Cherno More - Sliven 3:0
Cherno More - Dobrudzha 2:0
Cherno More - Energi Cotbus(Ger) 2:2
Cherno More - Herta Amateurs(Ger) 1:1
Cherno More - Tennis Borusia(Ger) 2:0
Cherno More - Heracles(Hol) 2:1
Cherno More - Dunav Ruse 3:1
Cherno More - Svetkavitsa 0:0
Best scorer in the friendlies - Velichkov (5)
IN: Boyko Velichkov(Ilisiakos, Gre),Georgi Georgiev (Dunav), Detelin Dimitrov (Dobrudzha), Nikolay STankov (Nesebar), Yordan Linkov (Vihren), Kiril Dzhorov(Rodopa)
OUT:Adailson,SOares, Lino Lopez, Andre Markejro Carvalho(free), Ivaylo Petrov(CSKA)
Overview: With losing their keeper Ivaylo Petrov and signing the fairly unknown keeper Linkov, the keeper position would not be so secure as the last season. No major signings on the other positions, but seeing the results in the friendlies I believe Cherno More to be another surprise this year. Don't expect a title chaser here, but a UEFA Cup place is really possible with their great manager Yasen Petrov, who is one of the best young managers in the country, along with the Levski Sofia's Stanimir Stoilov.
Expected finish: 4-8 place.
Lokomotiv Plovdiv
Friendlies:
Loko Plovdiv - Loko Sofia 0:1
Loko Plovdiv - Rabotnicki(Mak) 0:0
Loko Plovdiv - Spartak Plovdiv 3:2
Loko Plovdiv - Spartak Plovdiv 1:2
Loko Plovdiv - Treviso (Ita) 0:7
Loko Plovdiv - Chievo (Ita) 0:3
Loko Plovdiv - Udinese (Ita) 2:3
Best scorer in friendlies - 5 players with 1 goal
Intertoto matches:
Farul (Rom) - Lokomotiv Plovdiv 2:1
Lokomotiv - Farul 1:1
IN: Jordan Miliev (Apoli 99), Kostadin Janev(Pirin GD), Dakson (Bra),Andreval (Bra),Danail Bachkov(Sp***1072;rtak Pd), Alex (Bra),Atanas Arshinkov(Pirin Bl), Angel Yoshev(Conegliano), Rumen Goranov(Conegliano)
OUT: Robert Petrov (CSKA), Vladimir Ivanov (Slavia), Stoyan Kolev(Treviso,It),Sasa Lazarevski (free)
Overview: After the internal problems the club had the last fall, with their owner being killed, Lokomotiv is stabilizing more and more. This summer has brought quite alot young and promising players, from both Bulgaria and outside. No major names, though, except for Danail Bachkov probably, who is an ex-Lokomotiv Plovdiv player, so he could expect a warm welcome. The new owner has declared ambitions for the UEFA Cup, but I don't see this happening, judging from the friendlies and the performances in the Intertoto Cup. Still, don't count them out of the UEFA Cup places fight.
Expected finish - 4-8 place
Marek
Marek - Slavia 0:0
Marek - Loko Mezdra 2:1
Marek - Rilski Sportist 1:1
Marek - Velbujst Kustendil 1:1
Marek - Litex 1:2
Marek - Pirin Blagoevgrad 0:2
Marek - Pirin Gotze Delchev 3:1
Best scorer in friendlies - Krastovchev (3)
IN:Toni Pitoska (Bregalnica, FYR), Vladimir Zhillas(Bregalnica, FYR), Kiril Krystev (Pirin GD)
OUT: Ilia Iliev(Slavia),Hristo Petrov (Slavia), Ivaylo Pargov (Naftex), Svetoslav Georgiev, Rumen Kalchev(Lorka, Spa), Radoslav Bachev(Cherno more, Enyo Krastovchev,Tihomir Todorov (Rilski sportist)
Overview: With no major signings and two unknown foreigners, one of which is supposed to replace the leaving topscorer Krastovchev, seems like Marek are not going to have one of their best seasons.
Expected finish - Relegation battlers
Rodopa
Friendlies:
Rodopa - Levski Karlovo 2:0
Rodopa - Valex 2:0
Rodopa - Kaliakra 1:0
Rodopa - Arsenal (not the english one, hehe) 3:1
Rodopa - Chavdar 1:1
Rodopa - Loko Mezdra 1:0
Rodopa - Apoel R (Isr) 0:2
Rodopa - Vidima Rakovski 1:0
Rodopa - Pantrakikos(Gre) 3:0
Best scorer in friendlies - Rusev, Chipchev (3)
IN: Antion Vergilov(Levski Sofia), Martin Dimov (Levski Sofia), Stefan Uchikov(Lilas,Gre), Daniel Hristov (Naftex), Chetin Sadula (Levski), Ivan Todorov (Levski)
OUT:Kiril Dzhorov(Cherno more),Kostadin Dyakov(Levski),Emil Petkov (Nafteks), Vasil Vasilev (Vidima)
Overview: With another year with quite alot loans from their main club, Levski Sofia, Rodopa this time added their own player - the experienced midfielder, who had his best years in Botev Plovdiv. Still, no major names, but these should be enough for Rodopa to save.
Expected finish: Relegation battlers, eventually saving though.
Slavia
Friendlies:
Slavia - Marek 0:0
Slavia - Conegliano 2:1
Slavia - Minyor Pernik 4:1
Strasbourg(Fra) - Slavia 2:0
Slavia - Geisingen(Ger) 6:1
Slavia - Freiburg(Ger) 0:3
Slavia - Balingen(Ger) 1:1
Best scorer in friendlies - Stefanov (4)
IN: Vladimir Ivanov (Loko Pd), Kostadib Dzhambazov(Naftex***1089;), Kiril Dzhorov(Rodopa), Hristo Petrov (Marek), Nikolay Petrov (Levski), Ilia Iliev (Marek)
OUT: Blagoj Georgiev (Red Star,Serbia),DImityr Rangelov (Strasbourg,Fra), Yordan Petkov (Samsunspor, Tur***1094;***1080;***1103;), Daniel Gioshevski,Dimity Pashev (Marica), Kiril Dzhorov(Cherno more),Yanko Valkanov(***1052;***1058;***1047;-Ripo, Blr)
Overview: No major signings and the best two players, Blagoy Georgiev and Dimitar Rangelov, left the team. With the team not declaring any aims before the season, I see a calm mid-table finish.
Expected finish: Mid-table.
Belasitsa
Friendlies:
Belasitsa - Pirin Gotse Delchev 0:1
Belasitsa - Vihren 2:1
Belasitsa - Pelister(Mac) 3:2
Belasitsa - Rilski Sportist 1:1
Belasitsa - Beroe 1:1
Belasitsa - Pirin Blagoevgrad 6:0
Belasitsa - Pirin Blagoevgrad 0:0
Best scorer in friendlies - Three players with two goals.
IN: Anton Kostadinov (Levski,)
OUT: Sasho Yovkov (Hajduk, Croatia), Ivan Pinalov, Baya (Rilski sportist), Fabio (Rilski sportist)
Overview: Almost no signings and just four players leaving, none of which I know to have been important for the club last year, Belasitsa seem to be sure for the mid-table finish.
Expected finish - Mid-table.
Beroe
Friendlies:
Beroe - Maritsa 4:0
Beroe - AKB Minyor 0:0
Beroe - Hebar 0:0
Beroe - Chernomorets 0:2
Beroe - Sliven 1:0
Beroe - Belasitsa 1:1
Beroe - Arsenal Kazanlak 1:2
Beroe - Haskovo 1:1
Best scorer in friendlies - Spisich (2)
N: Nikolay Harizanov (Vidima), Galin Ivanov (Levski),Milcho Tanev (Loko Stz), Rosen Kaptiev (Vardar Skopije), Gerasim Zakov (Koneliano)
OUT: Bruno Fernandes, Danail Mitev
(Aarau, Swi), Emil Todorov (Chermomoretz), Ivan Tanchovski(Rodopa)
Overview: No major signings or leavings, also very bad results in friendly matches. Beroe will not play major role in this championship.
Expected finish: Mid-table/Relegation battlers.
Botev Plovdiv
Friendlies:
Botev - Maritsa 2:1
Botev - Shimbave(Ita) 12:0 (yes, no mistake :lol: )
Botev - Lugano(Swi) 1:0
Botev - Pro Vercelli(Ita) 2:3
Best scorer in friendlies - Grisha Ivanov (3)
IN: Emil Urumov (Spartak Plovdiv), Anastas Petrov (free), Ilya Garov (Spartak Plovdiv), Mirko Ilic (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, still not official), Stefan Krachunov (Maritsa, still not official)
OUT: Veselin Minev (Levski), Stefan Kostadinov (Rilski sportist), Dimitar Dumchev,Boris Blagoev (Belite orli), Dobri Dobrev (Nesebar)
Overview: With the whole summer being the trial for a few argentinian players, as always the club owner released them all and bought almost noone. The only good player coming to the club is Emil Urumov, whose loan to Spartak Plovdiv has ended and the club was left by their best defender - Veselin Minev, which is supposed to be replaced by the non-wanted-elsewhere rookie Ilya Garov. Don't let the good results in friendlies deceive you, Botev Plovdiv is most probably a sure relegate.
Expected finish: Relegation battlers, most probably not staying up
Vihren
Vihren - Pirin Razgrad 3:1
Vihren - Belasitsa 1:2
Vihren - Pirin Blagoevgrad 1:1
Vihren - Inter Baku(Ase) 3:2
Vihren - Pirin Gotse Delchev 2:1
Vihren - Panseraikos 1:0
Vihren - Rilski Sportits 3:1
Vihren - Lamia(Gre) 5:0
Best scorer in friendlies - Bachev (4)
VIHREN
IN: Osvaldo Saldania(Nasional, Por), Asen Georgiev (Pirin 1922)
OUT: Jordan Linkov (Cherno more), Metodi Stoynev (free)
Overview: With all the chaos in the club, owner hiring and releasing TWO managers only in the summer, the club didn't do their preparation for the new season and, adding the fact that almost noone has been bought but their main goalkeeper and striker got released, Vihren are amongst the candidates and even favourites for relegation.
Expected finish: Relegation battlers, probably not staying up.
Chernomorets Bourgas (Sofia)
Friendlies:
Chernomorets Bourgas (Sofia) - Olympiakos(Cyp) 2:2
Chernomorets Bourgas (Sofia) - Slavia 1:2
Best scorer in friendlies - three players with one goal
IN: Boris Kondev (Loko Sf)
OUT: Gerasim Zakov (Beroe), Miroslav Manolov (CSKA), Rumen Trifonov, Nikolay Nikolov, Ivan Tersiyski, Hristo Mitov ,Kraen Vylkov (Naftex),ANgel Yoshev(Loko Pd),Rumen Goranov (Loko Pd)
Overview: Another team in chaos. Known as seeder team for CSKA Sofia, newcomer Chernomorets Bourgas (Sofia) lost this status as CSKA decided to give up the support for them. The result - almost a whole starting team leaving the club, noone coming in and only two friendlies before the season. Relegaters for sure.
Expected finish: Relegaters for sure.
Spartak Varna
Spartak Varna - Shabla 7:0
Spartak Varna - Chernomorets 1:5
Spartak Varna - Shumen 5:1
Spartak Varna - Chernomorets Byala 3:1
Spartak Varna - Svetkavitsa 0:2
Spartak Varna - Svetkavitsa 3:1
Spartak Varna - Dobrudzha 1:0
Best scorer in friendlies - Filipov (3)
SPARTAK VARNA
IN:Stoyan Abrashev(CSKA), Ivaylo Vasilev (CSKA)
OUT:-
Overview: Noone leaving this newcomer but only two players are being brought into and both of them were released on free from CSKA as they were not needed. Not impressive transfers but fairly impressive friendlies. If not more, this team seems like a good one for overs, :lol:
Overview: Relegation battlers
Rilski Sportist
Rilski Sportist - Levski 0:1
Rilski Sportist - Agia Napa(Cyp) 1:1
Rilski Sportist - Marek 1:1
Rilski Sportist - Belasitsa 1:1
Rilski Sportist - Vihren 1:3
Best scorer in friendlies - Aleksandrov (2)
RILSKI SPORTIST
IN: Petyr Karamanov (Levski), Tihomir Todorov (Marek)
OUT:-
Overview: Weak selection as well and the results in the friendlies are no good too. Relegation for them.
Expected finish: Relegation battlers, most probably relegating.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's the conclusion:
Title chasers - Levski Sofia, Litex, CSKA Sofia.
UEFA Cup spot chasers - Lokomotiv Sofia, Cherno More, Lokomotiv Plovdiv
Mid-table teams - Slavia, Belasitsa, Beroe
Mid-table to relegation battlers - Marek, Rodopa
Relegation battlers - Chernomorets Bourgas (Sofia), Botev Plovdiv, Rilski sportist, Spartak Varna, Vihren.
Good luck to everybody :wink: