Serbian Eternal Derby: Partizan vs. Red Star Preview, Odds, Head to Head, Prediction

One of the most intense matches in Europe, the Eternal Derby between Partizan and Red Star, takes place today in Belgrade. The “Eternal Derby,” as the fans call it, will have its 165th league episode, at JNA stadium. Both teams enter this matchup following wins in the UEFA competitions, making the atmosphere in the respective locker rooms pretty good. Partizan has two points more in the standings than its nemesis, and with a win here, they could gain a big advantage before the remainder of the season. Red Star is in a can’t-lose position, and we are sure that former Inter star Dejan Stankovic has some idea on how to achieve that.

Preview

Partizan (+135) defeated Anorthozis in Nicosia in the first round of the UEFA Conference League group stage, 0-2. If there weren’t for some terrible reactions in front of the rival’s goals, this match could have easily seen five goals packed but the black and whites.

They have problems inside the club, with head coach Aleksandar Stanojevic favoring certain players over the others, and having odd moves because of which the fans and some of the players aren’t happy with the way he leads the team. Of course, for now, he has all the results, but the first slip will see him under heavy pressure.

Ricardo Gomes, the leading striker, has already scored 13 goals in 14 events, and the 29-year old is in fantastic shape. Of course, that wouldn’t happen without the captain of the Israel national team, Bibras Natcho, who is the brain of this team.

Red Star (+170) endured one tough challenge at home against Braga in the opening match of the UEFA Europe League campaign. The former world and European champions beat the Portuguese team, 2-1, but didn’t look that convincing at all.

Stankovic’s players won this match solely because of their individual quality, but as a team, Red Star was looking far more inferior than Braga. Still, three points are three points, and that can’t be denied.

Since the year started, this unit has had problems with wing and back players, and it seems that apart from Aleksandar Katai, the former LA Galaxy player, the Serbian champions are without option in that position.

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Seydouba Soumah started just five games, but was always the best player on the field for Partizan. Head coach Stanojevic has something against Partizan’s top player, and it is possible that the forward won’t start because of an alleged injury.

On the other side, El Faradou Ben, arguably the most influential player in Red Star’s midfield, is questionable for this event, while the two-time scorer against Liverpool from three years ago, Milan Pavkov, won’t play either.

Head to Head Games

The last event these two sides played was the cup finals, and the Red Star won it after penalties, 4-3. The decisive penalty was missed by Milos Jojic, one of Stanojevic’s favorite players, who is the main reason for all the troubles in the team.

In two league games during the 2020/21 season, we’ve seen one goal, and that was when Red Star won at home, 1-0.

Prediction

You should keep an eye on Partizan’s starting lineup, and if Soumah starts, then feel free to bet on the hosts’ win. But if not, under 2.5 goals would be the best choice. This will be a tough and rough match, with just a few chances on both ends.

Pick: Under 2.5 goals -166 

Partizan wins if Soumah plays +135