Partizan’s players are entering tonight’s clash with the intention of winning their first points in this year’s EL. They’re announcing a great fight, which they would want to use to thank their fans for a great support they’ve been getting this season. Coach Stevanovic won’t have captain Djordjevic available, so a bit experienced Mladen Krstajic will get to be the team captain this time. Djordjevic will be replaced by Marko Jovanovic at the centre-back place. Cleo is also sidelined as he failed to recover from an injury. Stevanovic didn’t want to be specific on the lineup, and that will be gametime decision. I certainly expect a great deal of hard work by the black-whites this time. The fact is they’ll play with no pressure, which will make their job much easier.
No relaxing
Ukrainian side arrived to Belgrade with the intention of recording a win, even though they ensure the first spot in the group a few rounds ago already. They’re impressive and want to continue in the winning rhythm. They won’t be relaxed but very motivated, just like the hosting players anyway. Although they won’t need the points, it is expected they will field almost their best lineup. There might be a few rotations in the lineup but nothing significant. Shakhtar arrived to Belgrade without the Croatian international Srna and Pole Levandovski, while the arrival of Srna is expected on a game day as he got an extra day of rest so he can swing by his home country. They will be going for a win only, as they didn’t arrive for a winter trip and for sure aren’t gonna be freezing themselves for no reason.
Bad pitch won`t affect the scoring
There’s been a question will Partizan’s stadium be playable for this game asked by the domestic football fans and we’ve got a quick response from UEFA, which ordered Partizan’s board to give their best and somehow clean the pitch from all the snow which has been really huge in the past few days in Belgrade, and prepare the field in the best way they can as the game can’t be postponed. Therefore, it’s clear the game will be played and the conditions for good football will most likely be catastrophic while I don’t think there won’t be many supporters on the stands. However, that’s why I expect even more effort and running by both sides. The black-whites aren’t without chances, as it’s hard to predict who could triumph in such harsh conditions. I expect an interesting clash and the new goal fest of Partizan and the Donetsk crew.
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Prediction:
Tip: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.94
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 7 /10
Tipster: Kather
