CSKA Sofia vs Shkendija Prediction: 25.06.2025 International Club Friendly Preview

As summer heats up the continent, the International Club Friendly continues to serve as the proving ground for teams seeking momentum and tactical experiments ahead of the next competitive campaign. On 25 June 2025, Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia play host to Macedonian giants Shkendija at the iconic Balgarska Armiya Stadium. While both teams approach the fixture for different reasons—CSKA Sofia to sharpen their competitive edge under Dusan Kerkez, and Shkendija, newly guided by Jeton Bekjiri, to cement combinations and test young talent—there is an intriguing subplot brewing: CSKA’s offensive efficiency against Shkendija’s desire to rebound from their last heavy defeat.

Two players worth keeping an eye on: CSKA Sofia’s creative livewire Ivan Turitsov, who has consistently marshaled the right flank with both defensive poise and forward thrust, and Shkendija’s key forward Besart Ibraimi, a talismanic presence who’s scored crucial goals for his side throughout the year. While the goalkeepers will have much to do, these two outfielders could be the deciding factors if either is allowed too much freedom.

Hot stat: CSKA Sofia have scored nine goals in their last three fixtures, headlined by a dominant 4-0 win over Botev Plovdiv. Their ability to create and convert chances will test a Shkendija side that recently conceded four to Koper.

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CSKA Sofia vs Shkendija prediction

While friendlies are often unpredictable, the data gives us a clear favorite. CSKA Sofia, with their 67% win-rate this year and a potent attack averaging three goals per match in their last trio of appearances, should be able to dictate proceedings. Shkendija, by contrast, have struggled defensively—especially evident in their 0-4 defeat to Koper—and are adjusting to a new manager’s approach. The best value seems to lie with CSKA Sofia to win outright, leveraging their better form, home advantage, and deeper squad.

Tactically, CSKA Sofia favor a 4-2-3-1 that allows for high pressing and a transition-heavy style of play; in their last five matches, they’ve kept their discipline with only two yellow cards, while still registering a high shot count (37 total shots). Shkendija, typically lining up in a 4-1-4-1, will try to control the midfield but their form indicates vulnerability under pressure and frequent lapses in defense. Ball possession likely tilts slightly towards CSKA, whose sharpness in the final third may force Shkendija into a defensive shell, drawing fouls and possibly more cards than their recent record would suggest.

Team Analysis

CSKA Sofia have been busy this June, notching a dominant 4-0 win over Botev Plovdiv and a close 1-1 draw against Arda, sandwiching a narrow 0-1 defeat against Ludogorets. Across these games, they’ve maintained attacking intent—evident in their shot totals—and strong discipline, conceding very few cards. Their most recent outing against Arda was about resilience: coming from behind, they salvaged a draw thanks to patient buildup and swift transitions, a testament to their side’s depth and tactical flexibility under coach Dusan Kerkez.

Shkendija’s recent fortunes are mixed: a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Arges was quickly followed by a sobering 0-4 loss to Koper. In that defeat, they struggled to contain wide attacks and were exposed by quick passing moves. While the scoreline reflects a defensive fragility, it also highlighted the challenge new manager Jeton Bekjiri faces integrating young players and balancing experimentation with results. Their forward Besart Ibraimi remains a constant threat, but the supply lines must improve for him to influence the score sheet.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full CSKA Sofia vs Shkendija stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Shkendija the favourite

• Moneyline CSKA Sofia 1.70 | Shkendija 4.10
• Draw 3.60
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.85 | Under 2.5 1.92
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.87 | No 1.92

The bookmakers notably rate Shkendija with an improbable favorite status in overall prediction percentages (54 percent) but the market odds tell a different story, favoring a CSKA win at home. With recent home form, prolific attack, and stability under Kerkez all going in their favor, CSKA Sofia’s price offers real value for punters. Shkendija are capable going forward, which supports the higher odds for both teams to score, but defensive frailties dampen their outright chances. Over 2.5 goals is well-priced given both teams’ tendency for open play in friendlies.

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Possible Starting Lineups

CSKA Sofia possible starting eleven

• GK: Gustavo Busatto
• DF: Bradley de Nooijer, Amos Youga, Hristiyan Petrov, Ivan Turitsov
• MF: Stanislav Shopov, Thibaut Vion, Jonathan Lindseth
• FW: Duckens Nazon, Denny Gropper, Mauricio Garcez

With Kerkez’s established 4-2-3-1, CSKA Sofia’s back four is anchored by Ivan Turitsov’s consistency and Bradley de Nooijer’s overlapping runs. Amos Youga stabilizes the central defense, while Shopov and Vion provide energy and balance in midfield. The attacking trio, likely centered on Nazon with support from Lindseth and Garcez, will be tasked with providing firepower. Watch for Turitsov advancing down the right; his interplay is a proven threat.

Shkendija possible starting eleven

• GK: Kostadin Zahov
• DF: Egzon Bejtulai, Armend Alimi, Marsel Ismailgeci, Gledi Mici
• MF: Valon Totre, Gjelbrim Taipi, Besar Musliu, Agon Elezi, Fatjon Andoni
• FW: Besart Ibraimi

Shkendija should stick to a 4-1-4-1, designed to congest the middle and allow Ibraimi to lead the line. At the back, Bejtulai and Mici must recover quickly to prevent overloads, while Taipi and Totre look for chances to thread counter-attacking passes. The selection aims for stability after the Koper defeat, putting experience in midfield while still affording Ibraimi the opportunity to pounce should CSKA over-commit.

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My take on the Match

Prediction: CSKA Sofia win (main pick).
While friendlies always come with a caveat about intensity and squad rotation, CSKA’s recent scoring exploits, disciplined defensive work, and settled tactical structure make them the strong favorites. Shkendija may create their moments, particularly if Ibraimi is allowed space, but the gulf in form—combined with the physical and mental edge provided by CSKA’s home ground—should see the hosts emerge on top. Expect plenty of goals and an entertaining clash that serves as a valuable tune-up for both sides.

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