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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