PL BiH looking forward to an exciting spring!

Fall Champion: FK Željezničar

After a rocky start to the season, Željezničar has recorded 12 games without defeat, and 9 straight wins. The team of Amar Osim played well in the Europa League defeating Sheriff (1-0, 0-0) before getting sourly eliminated by Maccabi Tel Aviv (0-2, 0-6). The team was definitely in a crisis following Maccabi’s trashing of the Bosnian cup winner. Nonetheless, the team, led by Zeba and Adilović, the league’s best assistant and striker, and pushed by veterans such as Gušo and Bešlija, managed to start a fantastic run. Željezničar look like heavy favourites to win the title, even though they currently enjoy a single point lead over their closest rival NK Široki Brijeg.

Relegation Favourites: FK Slavija, NK Travnik

We won’t elaborate a lot on Slavija; they haven’t won since week 3 and total only 7 points. Travnik, their closest concurrent, has a six point cushion, and it doesn’t look like the team from Eastern Sarajevo will close the gap any time soon. Travnik is in a much “better” position, as they are tied with 13 points with FK Kozara and FK Leotar. I am pretty confident Slavija will play in Republika Srpska’s top championship next year, while the cards are open for Travnik, Kozara, and Leotar.

Surprise of the season: HŠK Zrinjski

Last year, Zrinjski had a terrible season, and was even in relegation zone for a few weeks. Not a lot of people took Slaven Musa’s side seriously when they were announcing that this season will be one to remember. They were undefeated in their first three, very difficult travels to Travnik, Čelik, and Željezničar. They have been defeated only twice in fifteen games, which is definitely a very worthy accomplishment in the Premijer Liga. In the second half of the season, they will have an easier schedule with more games on home field. Can Zrinjski upset Sarajevo or Borac and steal a way in Europe?

Disappointment of the season: FK Sloboda

If it wasn’t for a late 90^’ goal against Slavija on home soil, I would have already discussed Sloboda’s case in the relegation favourites section. Sloboda hasn’t won a single point outside of Tuzla and they have suffered very serious defeats, shown by their -16 goal differential. Sloboda is very lucky to have 16 points, and should not take this lead for granted. Sloboda needs to restructure the club entirely and fix its financial problems if it wants to become a serious threat in Bosnian soccer.

Prediction for the second half

For the second half, I predict that the current top 5 will extend its lead over the rest, with the possibility of Olimpic joining the leading pack. Kozara, Travnik, and Leotar will battle each other until week 30 to save their spot in the Premijer Liga. I predict teams like GOŠK and Zvijezda have no chance of being relegated, even though they are not far from the bottom. I think Željezničar will extend its good run and clinch the championship with a win against Široki in week 16 and a good form in the remainder of the season. Široki will grab spot number two, while Borac will take third. Sarajevo should take fourth, and therefore qualify for Europe for a second straight year, in the likely event Željezničar, Široki or Borac win the cup.

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All eyes on Pecara

Game of the week: NK Široki Brijeg - HŠK Zrinjski (Mostar)

Željezničar and Sarajevo are patiently waiting for Široki to be beaten to get closer to Premijer Liga’s top spot. This match could provide a great opportunity for the clubs from Sarajevo as red hot Zrinjski visits Pecara for what could be the greatest Herzegovina derby so far. Zrinjski has been particularly terrific in its away games, being defeat only in Banja Luka. Široki is having an amazing season, as they are currently undefeated for over two full months. It is interesting to note that only Sloboda managed to beat the leaders, a team that is currently in the relegation zone.

Prediction: Slaven Musa’s side is motivated and confident. I believe they can take a point from Široki with a 1-1 draw.

NK Čelik (Zenica) - GOŠK (Gabela)

Čelik has beaten the team from Gabela twice quite easily this season in the cup competition. In addition, Čelik has been only beaten once in the past 7 by Široki. Nonetheless, no one can discredit GOŠK which has been playing very well, whether it’s home or away. I think Čelik is in too good of a form to drop this one.

Prediction: The hosts should take it 1-0.

FK Velež (Mostar) - FK Sloboda (Tuzla)

Apart from Slavija, the two teams that have been in the poorest form are Velež and Sloboda. Velež, which had such a big lead over Sloboda early this season, reduced its advantage by a mere 2 points. With a win, Sloboda could potentially overtake the Mostarians and throw them in relegation zone. This match is crucial, especially to the home team, for whom a defeat would translate into disaster.

Prediction: Tough call. Velež is better but they failed to win on several occasion at home. Still, they should take it 1-0.

FK Slavija (Istočno Sarajevo) - FK Borac (Banja Luka)

Slavija is on a ten game winless streak and it doesn’t look like it’s going to end anytime soon. Borac, the reigning champion, should have more than enough to overcome a team that is headed full-gear towards Republika Srpska’s Prva Liga.

Prediction: Borac should win it by 3-4 goals.

FK Sarajevo - NK Zvijezda Gradačac

Sarajevo still has open wounds from their defeat to Željezničar and will do everything they can to record a new W. However, they may have preferred to face another team than Zvijezda which is undefeated in the last 5 games. Zvijezda has been consistent and has climbed from bottom to an impressive seventh place. In addition, they have been strong in their recent travels.

Prediction: Sarajevo should win it, but just barely. A draw wouldn’t surprise me.

FK Kozara (Gradiška) - FK Željezničar (Sarajevo)

Kozara hasn’t scored a goal in over a month, while they are hosts to Premijer Liga’s most productive offense. Željezničar has had a perfect record over their last 7 games. However, it is important to note that Kozara allowed only three goals in their past 6 which is one of the best defensive forms around the Premijer Liga. Kozara is probably going to focus on a defensive strategy while Željezničar will try to score as soon as possible.

Prediction: Željo will take it 0-2.

FK Leotar (Trebinje) - FK Olimpic (Sarajevo)

Leotar hasn’t won on its own field in the last three games played on Police stadium; Olimpic will provide to be an even tougher challenge. The visitors have been very strong over the past two months and I see them extending their good form in Trebinje. In the last six games, Leotar has only scored a single goal, which is a clear indicator that they will not fare very well against perhaps the most offensive-minded team in the league.

Prediction: Olimpic to win it 0-2.

FK Rudar Prijedor - NK Travnik

Finally, we have a duel between Rudar and Travnik. The locals are faring fairly well on the table with 15 points and a good tenth place. On the other hand, we have Travnik which has recorded a single win in the past three months. It is probably one of the rare duels I would refuse a free ticket for.

Prediction: Rudar will scrape it 1-0.

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Premijer Liga's Best XI

Here are my picks of Premijer Liga's best XI so far!

 

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Stressful day ahead for Sarajevo and Željezničar fans

Match of the week: FK Željezničar (Sarajevo) - FK Sarajevo

November 5th has been on the mind of Željezničar and Sarajevo fans for a long time. Yes, finally, derby time has come and teams will be able to settle their differences. Teams can win championships, but if they don’t beat their rival, a stain will remain on the season. Unfortunately, games between these two teams have finished goalless 6 times in the last 8. Both teams perform under high levels of stress and it often shows on their willingness to take risks. However, this year, Željezničar and Sarajevo are the two highest scoring teams with 28 and 25 goals respectively. Both teams are tied second with 26 points. The team that wins will have an enormous advantage going into the end of the fall season and could possibly take over first place should Široki lose in Travnik.

Prediction: It’s impossible to predict derbies; however, if I had to put my money, I would give an edge to Željezničar due to their incredible recent form.

FK Borac (Banja Luka) - FK Velež (Mostar)

Another derby will be played in Banja Luka in front of empty stands (due to the events in the match against Željezničar). Both teams were very competitive early in the season but have been very disappointing recently. Both clubs have amassed only 4 points in their last 5 games. Borac has been poor but I think Velež has been even worst.

Prediction: There is little doubt in my mind that Borac will take all three points.

FK Olimpic (Sarajevo) - FK Kozara (Gradiška)

This game will be played in the shadow of the “eternal derby” and will definitely not get any kind of media attention in Sarajevo. But, as we all know, this will be nothing new to the youngest Sarajevo club as they are very rarely in the spotlight. Kozara plays defensively very well and they do not allow many goals. Vlado Jagodić implemented a very efficient system and it has payed off for the club from Gradiška. Their objective to blank Olimpic will be very though as they constitute one of the biggest attacking powers in the league.

Prediction: It will be very difficult for Olimpic but they should take this game 1:0.

FK Rudar Prijedor - NK Čelik (Zenica)

We have two very different teams squaring off on Gradski Stadion in Prijedor. The locals have been very predictable so far; they have played well on their home field but haven’t done much outside Prijedor. On the other hand, the guests lost a lot of points on Bilino Polje but have also managed to take quite a few in their travels. The teams are evenly matched and have a similar form.

Prediction: I can see Čelik taking a point in Prijedor.

FK Sloboda (Tuzla) - GOŠK (Gabela)

On Tušanj stadium, one of the biggest disappointments will play one of the biggest surprises in this season. Sloboda grabbed a single point in their last 5 games and holds 15th place. GOŠK, in contrast, was beaten only once in their last 5 and has jumped from bottom table to top-half.

Prediction: Teams like Sloboda were an easy target for a very disciplined GOŠK side. The Gabelans will leave undefeated, my only dilemma is whether they will take one or three points.

HŠK Zrinjski (Mostar) - FK Leotar (Trebinje)

A duel from two teams from Herzegovina in which, there appears, there is only one likely outcome. The home team hasn’t lost in their last 6 games while the guests haven’t won in 5. Zrinjski is playing at home in front of their fans and there is no reason why they should lose this game. The only way Leotar could come up with a point is if Zrinjski can’t handle the pressure.

Prediction: Routine 3-0 win for Zrinjski

NK Travnik - NK Široki Brijeg

Travnik hosts the league leaders in a game that is important for both teams. Travnik hasn’t played very well recently and would definitely like to turn things around with style in front of their fans against the top team. On the other hand, Široki needs to win as Željezničar and Sarajevo are very close behind. However, Široki comes to Travnik with a lot of injured players and they will find it even more difficult to win in a very hostile environment.

Prediction: Travnik can take this one 1-0

NK Zvijezda (Gradačac) - FK Slavija (Istočno Sarajevo)

Zvijezda has played very inconsistently this season and they need all three points against a team that already has a leg in the Prva Liga Republike Srpske. Slavija has a disastrous goal difference of -24, allowing an incredible 34. Zvijezda has drawn a lot of games so far, but they just can’t afford not to win in this one.

Prediction: I could easily see Slavija losing by 4-5 goals in Gradačac

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Focus in Sarajevo, pressure on Široki

Match of the Week: FK Sarajevo-FK Olimpic

Sarajevo has a very difficult schedule with three straight derby fixtures (Zrinjski, Olimpic and Željezničar). They started well with a draw in Mostar and they now face the youngest Sarajevo club, Olimpic. The wolves started the season very poorly but they have now climbed up to 6th place with 17 points. Sarajevo is tied second with their main rivals with 23 points. Both teams have played well recently but, perhaps, Olimpic is in a better form. This game will be decided by few minor details.

Prediction: How about a 1-1 draw? I can’t give an advantage to either side.

FK Velež-NK Zvijezda

Velež has had an opposite situation compared to Olimpic. They started furiously, holding first place in the first rounds, but they now sit in 7th with 14 points. Zvijezda played a little bit below expectations, as their home performances were inconsistent. Velež was crushed last week in Grbavica while Zvijezda held on to a point against a though Gabela side. Neither team has an advantage based on form or quality; it could really go either way.

Prediction: How about another 1-1 draw? Again, I can’t separate those teams.

FK Kozara-HŠK Zrinjski

From the arrival of Jagodić as head coach of Kozara, the team has played fairy well. They have dug out of relegation zone and are now safer with 12 points and a 9th position. Zrinjski has been very good in its travels taking difficult points in Sarajevo and Zenica. Once again, I could see myself putting my money on whichever outcome. Zrinski is probably better but Kozara play very discilplined.

Prediction: Zrinjski is going to scrape it 0-1.

FK Leotar-NK Travnik

Again, we have two very similar teams, both with 12 points. Travnik has been bad lately and I can easily see them lose on Police stadium. Leotar has played some very strong and some very poor games this season. Usually, they play well on their home field and that should be a main advantage.

Prediction: Leotar to take it 2-0

NK Široki Brijeg-FK Rudar Prijedor

A game Široki has to win to stay on top of the Premijer Liga. All of their past wins came with controversy or luck, and this is a good time to prove that they are the best team in the league. Rudar has made a good reputation in the Premijer Liga after only two seasons. They are not an easy team to beat, especially when underestimated. However, the team from Herzegovina has too much quality and should win it easily.

Prediction: Široki should win it 3-1

FK Slavija-FK Željezničar

Last week, we had two Mostar-Sarajevo derbies. This week, we have two intra-Sarajevo derbies. Slavija will host one of its oldest rivals in Lukavica, as they will try to get out of a crisis that has been lasting for well over 60 days. Željezničar will try to confirm its tremendous form with yet another win, against a much weaker team. Željo needs to deliver in this game before starting to think about next week’s derby against Sarajevo. Underestimating Slavija could be fatal for the team from Grbavica.

Prediction: Željezničar definitely has the quality to top Slavija 0-2.

GOŠK-FK Borac

GOŠK has been a very tough nut to crack for a lot of teams. They don’t score a lot of goals, but they aren’t allowing much either. Draws have been the home side’s trademark so far this season, recording 4 ties in their last 5. Borac had struggled for a few games but now seems back on track with a demolition of Sloboda last week. Borac is definitely better but GOŠK is not an easy team to play.

Prediction: I could see yet another draw for GOŠK in this duel.

Postponed NK Čelik-FK Sloboda

The game is postponed in order to prepare the field for the play-off match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Portugal in November.

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Borac and Željo dominant, Sarajevo escapes with a point

Match of the week: HŠK Zrinjski - FK Sarajevo 1:1 (Duro 25’, Haskić 67’)

This week’s derby ended up in a 1:1 draw. Zrinjski took the lead in the first half through an ex-Sarajevo player, Samir Duro. The first half didn’t offer a very interesting game. Sarajevo played a little bit better in the second half and got better as time went by. They finally equalized in the 67th minute after Kojašević found Haskić. Things were calm in the remainder of the game and we didn’t see any more chances/goals. Zrinjski lost a good opportunity to tighten the gap with the leaders while Sarajevo will be delighted with this point.

NK Široki Brijeg – NK Čelik 1:0 (Wagner 24’)

Guests from Zenica claim that they have been robbed following their loss to Široki Brijeg. They claim that a fair goal has been disallowed and that the referee has missed an obvious red card for the locals. Still, this will be recorded as a Široki win with Wagner scoring the only goal. Široki wasn’t convincing in this duel against Čelik, just as they have been unconvincing recently. They will face Rudar on Pecara, again, as they will try to prove sceptics wrong.

FK Rudar Prijedor – FK Leotar 2:0 (Maksimović 1’ Kantar 49’)

Rudar Prijedor beat Leotar in a fairly unimportant game. Rudar was the better side for the whole game and deservedly took all points. Maksimović opened the game in great fashion by scoring in the first minute. Kantar confirmed the points for Rudar in the second half. Rudar will face a though travel to Široki while Leotar will host Travnik.

NK Travnik – FK Kozara 0:0

A very boring game in which Jagodić’s side accomplished their main goal of remaining undefeated. Both teams are still in mid-table with the exact same record. Kozara will now host Zrinjski while Travnik will visit Leotar.

FK Olimpic – FK Slavija 2:0 (Harba 66’ 75’)

Olimpic beat Slavija much tougher than expected with two goals in the last half hour. Olimpic was the better side in the first half but couldn’t capitalize on possession. Slavija was aggressive in the second half but the strategy clearly failed as Harba struck twice to give Vukovi a well deserved win. Olimpic is now sixth and will play a local derby against Sarajevo. Slavija will also play against another Sarajevo team, as they host Željezničar.

FK Željezničar – FK Velež 4:1 (Adilović 2’ 25’ 45’ Smajić 33’, Rovčanin 90’)

Željo demolished Velež on Grbavica stadium with stellar performances of Zeba and Adilović. The home team solved all dilemmas after the first half with four easy goals. The guests scored a consolation in the dying seconds of the match through a penalty. Željo is now tied in second place with Sarajevo and will try to extend their 5 game winning streak next week in Lukavica. Velež will host Zvijezda.

NK Zvijezda – NK GOŠK 0:0

Another boring game in which another promoted team held strong in their away duel. The Gabelans will probably hold a record at the end of the year for the most draws if the tendency continues, as they have four draws in their last five. Nonetheless, Zvijezda will be disappointed with this draw as it was a good opportunity to jump to 7th position.

FK Borac – FK Sloboda 4:1 (Grahovac 19’ Kajkut 43’ Mikić 45’ Stajić 84’, Jogunčić 73’)

Borac dominated Sloboda on Gradski Stadion with an easy 4:1 victory. Similarly as in Grbavica, the winner of the game was clear after the first half. Finally we have seen a good display from the Banja Luka side after a very disappointing four game winless streak. Sloboda remains with only 10 points in the danger zone. Borac will visit GOŠK while Sloboda will visit Čelik.

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Sarajevo-Mostar derbies on the spotlight

Match of the week: HŠK Zrinjski - FK Sarajevo

This week’s derby is taking place in Mostar where Zrinjski face Sarajevo. Zrinjski has played well recently in the Premijer Liga, collecting 10 out of 12 points in their last 4. Sarajevo is on a two game winning streak. Only 4 points separate these two sides and Zrinjski will do everything it can to get closer to their capital city rivals. However, a Sarajevo win would relegate Zrinjski from a title contender to a European competition contender.

Prediction: Very close game with Zrinjski as the likely winners.

NK Široki Brijeg – NK Čelik

Široki dropped two points in their last fixture in Trebinje and now faces a must-win situation against a side that is undefeated in five. Čelik will be very motivated to win in Široki as they had a 2:0 lead in their last visit which ended up in a mere 2:2 draw. The team from Zenica has always played fairly well in this Herzegovinian town. However, Široki is definitely the best team in Bosnia and Herzegovina at the moment.

Prediction: I give a narrow edge to Široki but I wouldn’t be surprised if the guests grab a point.

FK Rudar Prijedor – FK Leotar

Two bottom table teams square off in Prijedor with a lot in stake, especially for the home team. Rudar is one point away from relegation zone and will be under very high pressure to win all points. Leotar comes to Prijedor slightly relieved after a good beginning to the season and has nothing to lose.

Prediction: I could see Leotar snatching up a draw.

NK Travnik – FK Kozara

This is another duel of bottom table teams. Similarly as above, Travnik is under pressure to win while Jagodić’s Kozara has very little to lose. In addition, Kozara has played relatively well recently which emphasizes their chances on Pirota stadium. However, Pirota has always been a fortress for the home team, and Travnik has beaten much better teams there.

Prediction: Travnik should come away with a relatively easy win.

FK Olimpic – FK Slavija

Red-hot Olimpic face this year’s biggest disappointment. Olimpic came up with 10 points in their last 12, with victories in Mostar and Tuzla. On the other hand, we have a Slavija team that has completely forgotten the feeling of winning a game. August 20th is the date of their last success. Slavija will do everything it can to get at least a point and still have some chances to escape relegation.

Prediction: Olimpic should trash Slavija by a high margin.

FK Željeznicar – FK Velež

This week will feature two Sarajevo-Mostar derbies, this being the second. Željeznicar hasn’t lost since August 20th (same date as Slavija’s last win) and is definitely the favourite in this game. Velež has opened the season in a terrific manner but has suffered four defeats in the last five games. Nonetheless, Velež has always been competitive on Grbavica stadium and I am pretty sure that Željo fans expect a though match.

Prediction: Željo should take it 1:0

NK Zvijezda – NK GOŠK

I believe this will be an interesting duel where both teams could come away with a win. Zvijezda came off with a win against Borac and a draw in Tuzla while GOŠK has been beaten only once in their last 5. Zvijezda needs a win here to get a little bit more comfortable heading into the winter break.

Prediction: Everything is on the table but I think a 1:1 draw is most likely.

FK Borac – FK Sloboda

Here we have two teams that haven’t won in their last four games. Borac has been disastrous but they came away with a point from Zenica under the new leadership of Velimir Stojnić. Sloboda has only 10 points after 10 games and currently holds a position that leads to relegation. However, Sloboda was always able to shock some giants even in their thoughest moments by playing very disciplined football. Nonetheless, I don’t believe they have the quality to take the points from Gradski stadium.

Prediction: Borac will win 1:0

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