Prediction: Partizan vs Olympiacos

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: William Hill

Serbian champions Partizan will have a mountain to climb in the third qualifying round of the Champions League as they prepare to welcome Greek giants Olympiacos in the first leg in Belgrade.

Partizan

It’s been a while since Partizan fans last got a chance to watch their beloved team in the Champions League. Having won the domestic league last season, Partizan replaced coach Marko Nikolic with the experienced tactician Miroslav Djukic who was tasked with a challenge to build up on the successes from last season and make an important step forward at the international scene. With their eyes on the Champions League, partiyan are not getting any closer to Europe’s elite competition as Belgrade’s Black and Whites faces a daunting challenge against one of continent’s illustrious opponents Olympiacos. Partizan grabbed their spot in the third qualifying round after beating Montenegro side Buducnost 2-0 on aggregate. Serbian champions secured their passage through thanks to a home win whereas the goalless draw remains a big warning sign for Miroslav Djukic’s men who are yet to reach full form. Partizan kicked off the new Super Liga season last weekend with a compelling 6-1 win over Macva in a match that was the best possible warm-up for the high-profile match against Greek giants.

Team News

Partizan main man Leonardo is expected to put his bad blood with club’s board behind him and get back in the team for the big clash against Olympiacos. The Brazilian forward has also picked up a knocked that ruled him out of the Macva match, but he should be fit to start against the Greek side.

Serbian champions broke club’s all-time record by signing the Slovan Bratislava attacking midfielder Seydoubah Souma who is expected to start against the Greek side.

Olympiacos

Greek giants Olympiacos travel to Belgrade for their first competitive challenge this season. The Reds are determined to make a great introduction and pave way for Champions League return after a year’s break. Olympaicos will be keen to avoid the last season’s upset when they got eliminated in the very same round of the competition by Israel’s side Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The Greek side are coming off from a busy summer and the game in Belgrade will also be a perfect opportunity for manager Besnik Hasi to flaunt some of his big-name players, most notably Emmanuel Emenike who joined Olympiacos from Turkish side Fenerbahce in a €2.5 million transfer. The former Nigerian international signed a two-year deal and will be hopeful ex West Ham striker could fire them to Europe this summer. Emenike is only one of the hatful of players who joined Greek side Olympiacos this summer as Greek giants once again invested a great amount of money to build a competitive squad.

Team News

Emanuel Emenike and Vadis Odjidja Ofoe, the club’s latest signing from Legia Warszawa, are expected to lead the line in Belgrade.

Serbian defender Jagos Vukovic and Croatia left-back Hrvoje Milic are also expected to be given their competitive debuts. On the other side, the former Torino defensive midfielder Panagiotis Tachtsidis did not travel to Serbia.

Key Factors to Consider

• Olympiacos signed 9 new players during summer
• Partizan broke club record by bringing midfielder Seydoubah Souma
• Greek giants invested €9.8 million in new signings
• The two sides meet for the first time in Champions League qualifiers
• Partizan scored 8 goals in their last three matches

Conclusion

Partizan Belgrade might have already started the season but their records over the previous three matches offer no great reassurances ahead of a clash with such an illustrious opponent. Olympiacos invested a lot of money to build a competitive side and are keen to make the most of their trip to Serbia. A goal would do at Partizan stadium for an away win that would come as no surprise even to the die-hard fans of the Serbian side.

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: William Hill