FK Crvena Zvezda vs PSV Prediction - Champions League

FK Crvena Zvezda face a do-or-die battle against PSV Eindhoven on 21 January 2025, in a crucial Champions League fixture at Stadion Rajko Mitić. Both teams are vying for favorable positions as the tournament nears its decisive stages.

Crvena Zvezda sit in 31st position with 3 points and must win to keep their hopes alive. Their recent form displays a mixed bag with a record of WWWLW. Given their inconsistency, they’ll have to pull out all the stops under coach Vladan Milojević.

PSV Eindhoven, currently in 23rd position with 8 points, have shown promise but also defensive vulnerabilities, conceding nine goals in their last three games. Their ace, Malik Tillman, is sidelined due to a serious ankle injury, which poses a significant challenge.

Expect a high-scoring game, as both sides have prolific goal-scoring abilities. Our prediction tips favor PSV, likely triumphing 2-0 or 3-1.

Should one fancy a flutter, betting on over 3 goals at 1.79 is a better recommendation, reflecting the anticipated goal frenzy.

FK Crvena Zvezda vs PSV Eindhoven Prediction & Betting Tip

Our recommended betting tip for this match is to bet on over 3 goals. Given the attacking prowess of both teams, this prediction is rooted in their tendency to produce high-scoring games.

• Both FK Crvena Zvezda and PSV Eindhoven have a trend of high-scoring games this season.
• FK Crvena Zvezda have scored an average of 4.60 goals in their last 5 games, while PSV Eindhoven have averaged 3.80 goals.
• PSV Eindhoven are favorites and likely to dominate possession, creating multiple chances and converting them into goals.

Expect a thrilling encounter with a barrage of goals as both teams look to outscore each other.

FK Crvena Zvezda vs PSV Eindhoven Odds

With PSV Eindhoven being the bookmakers’ favourite, the odds reflect their edge going into this crucial Champions League tie. FK Crvena Zvezda, though a solid team at home, are the underdogs in this fixture. Here are the betting odds:

Despite FK Crvena Zvezda’s recent good form at home, PSV Eindhoven’s superior overall performance makes them the most likely winners. Expect a competitive match, but the odds suggest PSV Eindhoven has a better shot at securing all three points.

FK Crvena Zvezda Team Analysis

FK Crvena Zvezda has shown impressive form in their last five matches, securing four wins and suffering just one defeat. They average an impressive 4.60 goals per match, which highlights their attacking prowess. Defensively, they have managed 2 clean sheets in their last five games, indicative of solid performances at the back.

With standout performances against local opponents, their victory over Tekstilac Odzaci (6-0) and the away thumping of Novi Pazar (7-1) emphasize their scoring capabilities. However, their loss to AC Milan highlights vulnerabilities against higher-tier European teams, which might be crucial in this Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven.

FK Crvena Zvezda Key Players

For FK Crvena Zvezda, Nemanja Radonjic stands out as a crucial player, being the top scorer with 3 goals this season. His ability to create and finish opportunities makes him a constant threat. Another key player is Cherif Ndiaye, who will lead the attack. In the midfield, Rade Krunic and Timi Max Elšnik are essential for controlling the game and distributing the ball effectively.

Expected lineup for FK Crvena Zvezda:

• Goalkeeper: Omri Glazer
• Defenders: Ognjen Mimovic, Nasser Djiga, Uros Spajic, Young-woo Seol
• Midfielders: Rade Krunic, Timi Max Elšnik, Andrija Maksimovic
• Attackers: Silas Katompa Mvumpa, Milson, Cherif Ndiaye

Key individual battles include Cherif Ndiaye against PSV’s central defenders Ryan Flamingo and Olivier Boscagli. This matchup will be crucial in determining FK Crvena Zvezda’s success in breaching PSV’s defense.

FK Crvena Zvezda Suspensions & Injuries

Suspensions:

Injuries:

FK Crvena Zvezda will miss the services of Lazar Jovanovic due to suspension, impacting their tactical flexibility in the upcoming match. Additionally, Peter Olayinka’s Achilles tendon injury limits their attacking options. These absences could put extra pressure on their key performers to step up against PSV Eindhoven.

FK Crvena Zvezda Tactics and Formation

FK Crvena Zvezda Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Cherif Ndiaye
• Midfield Duo: Rade Krunic, Timi Max Elšnik
• Defensive Lineup:
  • Right back: Ognjen Mimovic
  • Right center back: Nasser Djiga
  • Left center back: Uros Spajic
  • Left back: Young-woo Seol
• Goalkeeper: Omri Glazer

The team places a big emphasis on attacking play, as shown by their 4.60 average goals scored in the last five games. Nemanja Radonjic, their top scorer, is pivotal, often creating chances and finishing attacks. Defensively, Crvena Zvezda has shown resilience with two clean sheets in recent matches. However, they must address vulnerabilities during the 0-15, 46-60, and 76-90-minute intervals to improve against PSV Eindhoven.

PSV Eindhoven Team Analysis

PSV Eindhoven has demonstrated a good run of form lately, managing to secure some crucial points. Here’s a look at their last five results:

PSV has been in solid form recently with a record of LWDWW, indicating three wins, one draw, and one loss. They have shown their attacking prowess, averaging 3.80 goals per game in their last five matches and keeping two clean sheets.

However, their loss to PEC Zwolle highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities that they need to address against FK Crvena Zvezda. Despite missing key players due to injuries and suspensions, PSV’s recent performances signal a robust attacking side ready to challenge any opponent.

PSV Eindhoven Key Players

PSV Eindhoven boasts several key players who will be pivotal in this match:

• Luuk de Jong: The experienced striker will be a focal point of PSV’s attack. His ability to score crucial goals and lead the forward line is well-documented.
• Joey Veerman: A versatile midfielder who can dictate play and create opportunities. His presence in the center of the park will be important.
• Johan Bakayoko: Known for his pace and dribbling skills, he can stretch the Crvena Zvezda defense and provide quality crosses.

Expected lineup for PSV Eindhoven:

• Goalkeeper: Walter Benitez
• Defenders: Richard Ledezma, Ryan Flamingo, Olivier Boscagli, Mauro Junior
• Midfielders: Jerdy Schouten, Guus Til, Joey Veerman
• Attackers: Johan Bakayoko, Luuk de Jong, Noa Lang

Individually, watch out for Luuk de Jong vs. Uros Spajic – a key battle that could determine the outcome.

PSV Eindhoven Suspensions & Injuries

PSV Eindhoven will be missing several key players due to injuries and suspensions, which might disrupt their squad balance and overall strategy.

The absence of Malik Tillman, PSV’s top scorer, will particularly affect their attacking edge in this key fixture. Similarly, Sergino Dest’s injury reduces their defensive options, forcing Peter Bosz to rely on his bench strength. This could result in tactical adjustments and potential vulnerabilities that FK Crvena Zvezda might exploit.

PSV Eindhoven Tactics and Formation

PSV Eindhoven’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Luuk de Jong
• Midfield Trio: Jerdy Schouten, Guus Til, Joey Veerman
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.

PSV Eindhoven, under the guidance of Peter Bosz, utilizes a 4-3-3 formation that emphasizes fluidity and aggressive wing play. The midfield trio of Schouten, Til, and Veerman provides both defensive cover and creative options, which are crucial for maintaining balance. Luuk de Jong, the focal point in the attack, is supported by wingers Johan Bakayoko and Noa Lang, known for their pace and ability to stretch defenses. Despite a few key injuries, PSV’s strategy of dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch will likely remain unchanged, aiming to exploit FK Crvena Zvezda’s vulnerable periods, especially between the 76th and 90th minute intervals.