FK Ventspils - Crvena Zvezda 18:00h


Here’s what I promised. Will try to be not biased.

Ventspils - Crvena Zvezda

In the previous round, Latvian side eliminated Belarus Shakhtyor Soligorsk. In the first (away) game, from the highlights I’ve seen, they were very fortunate. Defending all the game and in the stoppage time one shot from the distance for the victory. In re-match they were on the edge, losing 2-1, but got penalty and eventually scored a winner. Considering players’ quality, they’re half-amateur side and few classes below us. Their only advantage will be average height of 190cm(!) that could cause some problems after set pieces. Pitch dimensions are small and stadium has capacity of only 3.200 seats.

Zvezda has some nightmare seasons in Europe, usually being eliminated in this or next round. However, situation has been changed a lot since club’s legend Robert Prosinecki (lift the CL trophy with the club in 1991, played at Real and Barca after) took the charge. His football philosophy is possession and short passes (he’s heavily inspired by Barca). Far best line is midfield, there’re some problems with conversion of created chances (usually we need 3-4 sitters to score once) and biggest problem is defence line. Centre backs will be Tosic (natural position left back) and young Mijailovic (natural defensive midfielder). Both have already played in those roles and while they could be a serious weakness against some stronger rivals, today they should have a good day in the office. Team showed a serious approach and arrived two days before the game.

As I pointed, odd for away win is unexpectedly high. Our reputation in European competitions has been ruined lately, the small pitch is in not so good condition and there’s rain today. Their squad is very tall and we have scoring problems. But on the other hand, we’re far better team. Everything except a convincing win would be first class surprise. 0-2 correct score.

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Europa League Betting, Ventspils-C.Zvezda

There's a great price at Ladbrokes and I am posting this earlier than usual.

FK Ventspils v Crvena Zvezda

Bet: Crvena Zvezda
Odd: 2.00 Ladbrokes
Stake: 8/10

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Champions League Betting, Genk-Partizan

There’re qualifiers and I see it as a warming-up games for the new season. It’s always hard to find some info for the teams from non-English speaking areas, so I will give my insight for this game hoping it might be useful to someone.

Genk – Partizan

Genk are Belgium champions and it says a lot. They play much better at home where they actually won the title beating competition. However, it’s summer vacation time and they probably won’t have stadium packed. They sold a goalie to Chelsea and he was one of two best players. His replacement is far from that level. Genk’s game is very fast and they’re attacking minded. They don't have too much international experience, differently from the visitors.

Our neighbours (their stadium is few hundred meters from Zvezda’s) made some, in my opinion strange moves on the transfer market. They sold almost entire team and brought a bunch of new players. Goalie is the same, but whole defence line is new. Instead top-class Savic (Man City lived their reputation by paying him way too much), skipper and heart of the team Krstajic and both side backs are four new faces. Ivanov, Bulgarian international looks very slow. Rnic came just few days ago. Right-back Rankovic experienced player, but his natural role is defensive midfielder and will play right-back. The strongest link is left-back Volkov. His only bad side is he’s too attacking minded. Defence line is far worst line of the team. Defensive mid Kamara is key on the midfield, Babovic could be good, but Vukic and Ilic are too old and too slow. Attacking duo is consisted of usually harmless Scepovic and top-class Brazilian Eduardo. He’s a great target man and lethal finisher. His striking force and Genk’s not so good goalie will be their best chance.

Stanojevic (Partizan’s coach) is about to do something very strange (considering some info that appeared) and set attacking side. It could easily turn this game in the goal fiesta. In my honest opinion Genk are the favourites and there’s decent possibility of goals. Pinnacle offers 2.05 for over 2.5 and I’ll take it with the smile.
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Bet: over 2.5
Odd: 2.05 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10

p
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