OFI Crete vs CSKA Sofia

OFI Crete host CSKA Sofia in the Europa League play-off round on 20 August, with a place in the league phase on the line. It's a historic tie for the Cretans, who reached this stage after winning the Greek Cup and have never featured in a European group stage before. Even in defeat they're guaranteed Conference League football, so there's little pressure. Both sides arrive in good spirits. OFI Crete added the Greek Super Cup on penalties over AEK Athens and finished third last season behind Aris Thessaloniki. CSKA Sofia needed late nerves, winning 3-0 away at Maccabi Tel Aviv before a 1-3 home reverse saw them through 4-3 on aggregate, and they sit fifth in Bulgaria this season. Taxiarchis Fountas leads the OFI Crete attack, with Borja González chipping in assists from the back, while Joël Zwarts has been CSKA Sofia's most reliable finisher. The clubs have never met before, making this a genuine unknown for both sides. Our prediction: 2-1