Ludogorets have collected just one point so far in the UEFA Europa League and it's hard to see that stat changing as the Bulgarians host Athletic Bilbao on matchday four.
The Basque giants are unbeaten in Europe so far this season and their only dropped points came in a 1-1 draw away from home against Roma, one of their toughest fixtures in the revamped tournament.
Under canny coach Ernesto Valverde they could be potential dark horses and Athletic Bilbao are now joint third in the betting to win the tournament at 10/1 alongside Lazio,
They are also motoring along nicely in La Liga and their only defeat in the last 11 games in all competitions came on the road to Girona a month ago.
So it's a tall order for Ludogorets, given the Bulgarians have already lost to Anderlecht and Slavia Prague, with the Czechs suffering a defeat in Bilbao last time out.
Ludogorets did manage to hold out for a 0-0 draw on the road at Viktoria Plzen though and if they can defend as well in this game they might stand a chance of nicking something.
How the bookies view it: Basque in the glory
With Athletic Bilbao in such good form it's not a big surprise to see them as Betano's 5/6 favourites. Ludogorets are 31/10 outsiders and the draw pays 23/10.
Head to head: Spain pain for Ludogorets
These sides have never faced off before in European competition but Ludogorets have a terrible record against Spanish sides. They've faced La Liga teams eight times and lost every time, with Espanyol, Real Betis, Real Madrid and Valencia dishing out the punishment. Across those games, the Bulgarians have only managed to score three goals.
Players to watch: Nico's on song
I tipped Inaki Williams for a goal when Athletic Bilbao played Slavia Prague so it was sod's law that his brother Nico grabbed the winner instead. The Euro 2024 star should get a bit of joy against Ludogorets if he's not rested and Nico looks a bit overpriced at 10/3 with Bet365 for another goal.
Brazilian forward Rick could provide a spark for Ludogorets and he's in decent form, with five goals already this term. The samba star is 5/1 at Betano for anytime scorer and a tempting 5/4 at Bet365 just to have an effort on target.
Probable teams
Striker Caio Vidal was sent off in Ludogorets' defeat by Anderlecht so he's suspended for this one. Pedro Naressi also picked up a third successive Europa League yellow in that game so he's ruled out too while Anton Nedyalkov is an injury doubts.
Oihan Sancet, Gorka Guruzeta, and Mikel Jauregizar are unlikely to feature for Athletic Bilbao, with injuries keeping them out of training this week. Spanish international keeper Unai Simon is also still sidelined.
Ludogorets: Bonmann, Almeida, Witry, Son, Verdon, Chochev, Duarte, Camara, Rick, Duah, Cruz.
Athletic Bilbao: Agirrezabala, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche, De Marcos, Berenguer, I Williams, N Williams, Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados, Djalo.
Anything else catch the eye?
Ludogorets have yet to score in the Europa League while Athletic Bilbao's three games have all seen under 2.5 goals. That's why under 2.5 strikes pays just 7/10 here with Betano while betting against BTTS is only a little better at 9/10.
It took Anderlecht a while to break down the 10-man Bulgarians last time out, with both goals coming in the second half. Ludogorets could set up to frustrate here so backing most goals to come after the break appeals at 23/20 with Betfred.
The La Liga outfit should have most of the ball so I also like the 11/10 on offer for Bilbao -1 in the corner handicap at Bet365.
This UEFA Europa League match between Ludogorets and Athletic Bilbao will be played on Nov 7, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Ludogorets vs Athletic Bilbao prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
