The marathon continues...

Match of the week: NK Čelik - FK Borac

This week’s derby, following the national team break, is taking place in Zenica between two of the biggest football giants in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The locals surely deserve the status of favourites due to their recent form. On the other hand, Borac hasn’t registered a point in the last 3 games. Cvetković was sacked following this poor run and was replaced by ex-head coach Velimir Stojnić. Maybe this break will have given Borac some time to recover. Čelik has a very big motivation to beat Borac because the visitors left Zenica victorious in the three previous match ups.

Prediction: I can’t go beyond Čelik for this game. The locals should register a routine win.

FK Leotar - NK Široki Brijeg

This match between two teams from Herzegovina will certainly draw the attention of the championship contenders. Široki could extend their winning run to 6 games, while a defeat would mean FK Sarajevo could potentially tie them in first place. The visitors have allowed only 3 goals so far, making them even more difficult to beat. A win for Leotar could ensure their position in mid-table.

Prediction: Trebinje has always been a tough place to play in and they don’t allow many goals home. A draw is probably most likely.

FK Kozara - FK Rudar P.

This match-up between two teams from Republika Srpska will surely not get much media coverage. 15th placed Kozara need a win to stay clear of relegation zone while Rudar want to avoid defeat for the exact same reason. There is not much to say about this game and it is very much up for grabs.

Prediction: A minimal win by Kozara.

FK Slavija - HŠK Zrinjski

Last placed Slavija host red hot Zrinjski that could make things much clearer ahead of the mid-season break. A win for Zrinjski would definitely establish them as top contenders for a spot that leads to European competitions while a loss for Slavija would confirm that they are favourites for relegation. Zrinjski is unbeaten in 3, while Slavija hasn’t won since August.

Prediction: I believe Slavija’s winless streak will continue as Zrinjski should register an easy win in Lukavica.

FK Sarajevo - NK Travnik

A must win game for the home team if they want to stay in the race for top spot. Things don’t seem very positive in Travnik and they are surely heavy underdogs in this match-up. Sarajevo fans would be extremely disappointed with anything but a convincing victory.

Prediction: Put your money on Sarajevo to win by 2-3 goals.

FK Velež - FK Olimpic

This is this week’s only broadcasted game on national television. Camera’s will be in Mostar for the first time as two very offensive-minded teams square off. Velež has suffered defeat in 3 of their last 5 and they desperately need a win to stay in the race for at least 4th place. Olimpic is recovering well from a terrible start to the season but they were surprised last time at home by an inspired Velež side. Anything but defeat would confirm the youngest Sarajevo team’s intentions.

Prediction: Very open game that will probably end up in a high-scoring draw, leaving both teams disappointed.

FK Sloboda - NK Zvijezda

This local derby of the Tuzla region has very high stakes for both teams. Zvijezda and Sloboda are respectively placed 13th and 14th with only a point separating them. A win for either team would give a heavy blow to the other squad’s ambitions to avoid relegation. Sloboda has much more to lose in this game since they play at home, and the pressure will definitely be on their side. Both teams haven’t performed very well recently and this is a good opportunity to turn their seasons around.

Prediction: I can see a disciplined Zvijezda side taking a(ll) point(s) home from Tuzla.

NK GOŠK - FK Željezničar

Finally, this match up will feature Željezničar’s first ever visit to Gabela. GOŠK has been very impressive recently, avoiding defeat in their last four games. On the other hand, the visitors have been even more impressive with a 6 game undefeated streak. Željo will give all it has to take all three points and come closer to Široki and Sarajevo in the top of the table. GOŠK needs a win to stay clear from relegation zone.

Prediction: Željezničar will take all three points from Gabela and extend their good run.

Comment and give your thoughts!
Follow me on Twitter!