Lech Poznan host Red Star Belgrade at Stadion Poznan in the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. With a place in the play-off round on the line, both sides will be looking to grab an advantage in the first leg on Wednesday.
Lech Poznan progressed to this stage after cruising past Breidablik 8-1 on aggregate in the second qualifying round. A 7-1 first leg victory gave them a solid advantage, and they followed that up with a 1-0 away win in the second clash.
Both results are part of a solid run of form for Lech Poznan, who have won their last four matches in all competitions. Niels Frederiksen’s men have also won their last two home fixtures and earned a 2-1 victory over Gornik Zabrze in a Polish Ekstraklasa clash last weekend.
Red Star Belgrade also earned a comfortable victory in the previous round, easing past Lincoln Red Imps 6-1 on aggregate. Having earned a 1-0 away win in the first meeting, they returned home for a 5-1 victory.
The Serbians have looked sharp lately and travel to Poznan with four straight wins in all competitions. Vladan Milojevic’s men are also unbeaten in their last five away matches in all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Red Star
Red Star Belgrade have the edge among the bookies and are priced at 13/10 by BoyleSports to win, who are offering 9/5 for a Lech Poznan victory. A draw is set at odds of 11/5.
Head to head: One previous meeting
There has been only one previous meeting between Lech Poznan and Red Star Belgrade, with the Polish side claiming a 3-1 victory in a friendly back in 2010.
Players to watch: Spotlight on Ishak
Mikael Ishak has made a bright start to the season for Lech Poznan, scoring seven goals in all competitions, including four in the previous round. Leo Bengtsson was also on target against Breidablik, and both men can combine to produce over 0.5 goals – offered at 1/3 with BoyleSports.
Bruno Duarte and Aleksandar Katai have scored four goals each for Red Star Belgrade, and both men will be the ones to watch. They can combine to produce over 0.5 goals – available at 1/4.
Probable line-ups:
Goalkeeper Bartosz Mrozek should get the nod between the sticks, while Mateusz Skrzypczak and Antonio Milic are expected to feature in the heart of defence. Filip Szymczak and Leo Bengtsson should start as part of a midfield four, with Ishak supported up front by Filip Jagiello.
For Red Star Belgrade, Seol Young-woo will miss the game due to a red card suspension. Veljko Milosavljevic and Milos Veljkovic should feature in central defence, while Milson, Mirko Ivanic and Duarte are all expected to start.
Lech Pozan: Mrozek, Pereira, Skrzypczak, Milic, Gurgul, Szymczak, Kozubal, Ouma, Bengtsson, Jagiello, Ishak
Red Star Belgrade: Matheus, Milosavljevic, Rodrigao, Veljkovic, Tiknizyan, Krunic, Elsnik, Milson, Katai, Ivanic, Duarte
Anything else catch the eye?
There have been over 3.5 goals in three of Lech Poznan’s last five matches (Over 3.5 goals – priced at 5/2 with BoyleSports). Four of their last five matches have also produced over 2.5 goals – valued at 20/21.
Both teams have scored in eight of Lech Poznan's last 10 matches (BTTS YES – set at odds of 8/11). The hosts have also scored first in three of their last five matches (Lech Poznan to score first – priced at 6/5).
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