Crvena zvezda vs Rad

This is final game of second round in Serbian football league. One of main candidates for championship title, Crvena Zvezda will host city rival, FK Rad. This will be opening game for hosts in the domestic league since last weekend game in Ivanjica against Javor was postponed.

 

I must admit that I can't remember when Zvezda entered into new season in such bad shape as seems it will be now. Zvezda simply was too weak in two rounds of Europa League qualifications. Although they reached final stage of qualifications, no one can be happy with the way how Zvezda has played against Omonia as well earlier against Naftan. I agree that fans in Serbia have big expectations while quality of best Serbian teams is not good enough for serious results in European Cups. But Zvezda looked pretty much bad also in pre season in games against some teams who are even much bellow of Serbian standards. Head coach Robert Prosinecki has said he is not too much interested in results in friendly games and that everything will be fine when the season starts. But in above mentioned games with Naftan and Omonia, we couldn't see too much good.

 

Knowing this, logical question would be why then bet on Crvena Zvezda. The answer is very simple. I believe that game in domestic league will be something different. There is huge motive among players for today's match. First, as I said it will be opening game at home if we don't count UEFA qualifications. Then, biggest rival lost all three points yesterday what was the big upset and now this is great chance for Zvezda to already at the start make advantage compared to Partizan. In previous seasons this was not the case, usually Zvezda was the one who already from the start was couple points behind. Then of course there is wish to with good result today Zvezda enter in good mood match with Bordeaux for couple days. And the biggest motive probably will be pretty much full stands in today's match. This is something that you can't see so often in Serbian league but Zvezda is well known by this. With big support behind them, I believe Zvezda will be much closer to start championship with success. Also note that game with Rad will be exactly 2000th game for Crvena Zvezda in domestic league which can give some small extra motivation to players.

 

As far as I know Prosinecki does not have major problems with injured players. Still, he said that maybe will rest some of the players for upcoming game with Bordeaux. But I would not take this statement too seriously. First because of the fact that Zvezda has not play in first round, so players simply can't be tired. And second reason is because IMO for Zvezda after five years without title, domestic championship is the most important.