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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