Red Star Belgrade are looking to build on their slim advantage when they host Red Imps in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier. The Gibraltarians will be hopeful of turning things around, but face a difficult task against the Serbians, who are often ruthless at home.
Red Star Belgrade come into this clash after claiming a 1-0 away victory in the first leg, with Bruno Duarte’s first-half effort proving the difference. They followed up that result with an impressive 7-1 home victory over OFK Belgrade in a domestic fixture last Saturday.
That win over OFK maintains a solid home form for Red Star, who have won their last four matches in front of their fans. There have been a few more one-sided results on this run, like the 4-0 victory over Javor and a 5-0 thrashing of Sutjeska.
Red Imps will take a few positives from the first leg despite coming away empty-handed. They saw plenty of possession and created a number of chances, but could not find the breakthrough.
The good news for Red Imps is that they have won their previous nine matches and will look to replicate some of those performances. They have also done some good work on their travels, winning their last five away matches.
How the bookies view it: Red Star overwhelming favourites
Red Star Belgrade have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies, with a home win priced at 1/33 by BoyleSports. A victory for Red Imps is valued at 20/1 while a draw is set at odds of 10/1.
Head to head: One previous meeting
Red Star Belgrade and Red Imps met for the first time last week, with the Serbians claiming a 1-0 away victory.
Players to watch: Eyes on Duarte
Bruno Duarte scored the only goal for Red Star Belgrade in the first leg and was also on target last weekend. Mirko Ivanic has also been among the goals from midfield, and both men could combine to produce over 2.5 goals for the hosts (Red Star Belgrade over 2.5 goals – offered at 4/9 by BoyleSports).
Having kept a clean sheet in the first leg, Red Star Belgrade will be targeting a repeat here. Veljko Milosavljevic and Stefan Lekovic should continue at the back and can lead Serbians to another shutout (Red Star Belgrade win to nil – 1/2 BoyleSports).
Probable line-ups:
Red Star Belgrade have no major injuries or suspensions and could name an unchanged squad on Tuesday. Duarte should continue in attack with Ivanic providing support, while Milosavljevic and Lekovic are set to maintain their central defensive partnership.
Red Imps are not expected to make too many changes to their team, with Kike Gomes set to lead the line once again. Toni Garcia should start in midfield while Bernardo Lopes is set to continue at the back.
Red Star Belgrade: Matheus, Seol, Milosavljevic, Lekovic, Tiknizyan, Elsnik, Krunic, Milson, Ivanic, Radonic, Duarte
Red Imps: Nauzet, Munoz, Lopes, Rutjens, Nano, Torrilla, Garcia, Villacanas, De Barr, Britton, Gomes
Anything else catch the eye?
Red Star Belgrade have won by at least three goals in their last three home matches (Red Star Belgrade -2 handicap – 4/6 with BoyleSports). There have also been over 1.5 goals in the first half of their last two home fixtures (First half over 1.5 goals – valued at 10/11).
The Serbians have won both halves in their last three home matches (Red Star Belgrade to win both halves – offered at 4/6).
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