Locked on two points each in the Group B Europa League standings, both Partizan Belgrade and Skenderbeu will be going for all three points when they meet in Serbia next week. With just three games remaining, a first win of the competition for either side would give them a good chance of qualifying for the next stage.
Champions League – Partizan Stadium, Belgrade – Thursday 2nd November – 19:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 3 at Ladbrokes |
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Partizan-Belgrade
SkenderbeuMatch Preview
Having played out a drab goalless draw in Albania last week, both Partizan Belgrade and Skenderbeu will be hoping for an improved performance this time around, with a lack of goals having hindered the duo up until this point. However, with Group B being as tight as it is, three points for either team could potentially move them up to second spot in the standings. Despite not being one of the standout fixtures in the Europa League next week, this is the type of game that should gain a significant amount of interest from betting customers. As a result, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Partizan Belgrade Team News & Form
Former European Cup runners up Partizan Belgrade are certainly not going through one of the more successful periods in their history, having last won the Serbian title back in 2015. Head coach Miroslav Đukić took over at the club over the summer, with his side currently second in the Serbian top-flight standings following nine wins from 13 matches, the last of which coming over Bačka Palanka over the weekend. Captain Sasa Ilic is still playing for the club at the age of 39, however it is former Manchester United man Zoran Tosic who is the undoubted star of the team. The Serbian giants were defeated by Dynamo Kiev despite leading 2-0 early on earlier on in the competition, while a draw at Young Boys means that they remain on just two points leading into this encounter.
Skenderbeu Team News & Form
Skenderbeu have made a fantastic start to the season, with the Albanian side top of the table after seven games, having finished last season in third place. Their recent 4-1 victory away at Teuta Durrës suggests that they are in good form coming into this match, with an away win in Serbia undoubtedly being one of their best wins ever. Head coach Ilir Daja took over of the club in the summer, with his playing squad being dominated by both Albanian and Kosovan players. However, it is former Mali youth international Bakary Nimaga who has certainly been one of their best players so far this season.
Head to Head
Before last week’s clash in Albania, the two teams had never previously met in a competitive fixture. However, the goalless draw between the two sides suggests that it may well be another tight affair in Serbia, with little separating the two teams in terms of quality.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given the result in Albania last week, it is perhaps a little surprising that Partizan Belgrade are the overwhelming favourites for next week’s match. The home side can be backed for the win at odds of 8/15 with Ladbrokes, while the same bookmaker has the visitors at 5/1.
Top Betting Tip
Our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Partizan to win and under 2.5 goals to be scored, which can be found at odds of 5/2 at Ladbrokes.