Young Boys vs FK Crvena Zvezda Prediction - Champions League

As BSC Young Boys host FK Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) at the Wankdorfstadion on 29 January 2025 for their final Champions League match, both teams have been eliminated from advancing further in this newly formatted league. Young Boys are at the bottom of the standings, having failed to earn any points in seven matches. They’ve struggled defensively, conceding three goals per game on average.

Despite a resilient showing at the weekend against Grasshopper Club (0-0), their recent form (DLDWL) suggests limited expectations against FK Crvena Zvezda. On the other hand, FK Crvena Zvezda sits four places higher and comes off a narrow 3-2 defeat against PSV. They average 3.8 goals per game in their last five matches, showcasing a potent attack, though their defense has been leaky.

With star striker Nemanja Radonjic and an attacking lineup boasting multiple goal-scorers, a high-scoring game can be anticipated. In terms of betting, the tip is in favor of FK Crvena Zvezda -0.50 (Asian Handicap) at odds of 2.55. Given the form and past performances, Crvena Zvezda holds a big chance of winning. The weather forecast predicts broken clouds with a temperature of 4°C, 86% humidity, and light winds, which could play a role in how both teams approach the game. Referee Halil Meler will oversee the match, ensuring fair play. All signs point to an entertaining clash, with goals expected on both ends.

BSC Young Boys vs FK Crvena Zvezda Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the recent performances and match facts, the recommended betting tip is for FK Crvena Zvezda to win with a -0.50 (Asian Handicap).

• Crvena Zvezda has an impressive attack, averaging 3.8 goals in their last five matches.
• Young Boys have struggled defensively, conceding three goals per game on average.
• Crvena Zvezda’s offensive prowess, led by top scorer Nemanja Radonjic, makes them favorites for the win.

This tip has high confidence, with expectations of a significant return.

BSC Young Boys vs FK Crvena Zvezda Odds

The odds are evenly matched, indicating that bookmakers see this as a tight contest.
Young Boys, despite being winless, have the same odds to win as Crvena Zvezda. A draw offers the highest return, reflecting the competitive nature of this encounter.

BSC Young Boys Team Analysis

Young Boys have had a tough run in the Champions League and domestically. Here are their last five matches:

Their recent form indicates a struggle to find consistency, with just one win, two draws, and two losses. Despite having three clean sheets in their last five matches, their attacking prowess has been less impactful, averaging just 1.20 goals per game. The win against Biel/Bienne was an outlier, and they will need a similar performance to challenge Crvena Zvezda.

BSC Young Boys Key Players

BSC Young Boys will be looking to their top scorer, Silvere Ganvoula, to deliver crucial goals, although he has only found the net once in this Champions League campaign. Cedric Itten, pairing up with Ganvoula in attack, will also need to step up. Their midfield, led by Kastriot Imeri and Cheikh Niasse, will be vital in controlling the pace of the game. In defence, Mohamed Ali Camara and Loris Benito will face a significant challenge containing the high-scoring Crvena Zvezda attackers.

Expected lineup for BSC Young Boys:

• Goalkeeper: Marvin Keller
• Defenders: Zachary Athekame, Mohamed Ali Camara, Loris Benito, Jaouen Hadjam
• Midfielders: Darian Males, Cheikh Niasse, Lukasz Lakomy, Joel Monteiro
• Forwards: Cedric Itten, Silvere Ganvoula

Key Individual Battles:

• Silvere Ganvoula vs. Uros Spajic
• Cedric Itten vs. Nasser Djiga

BSC Young Boys Suspensions & Injuries

BSC Young Boys have several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions, which could significantly impact their performance against FK Crvena Zvezda.

These absences weaken their squad depth, especially in midfield and defence, putting extra pressure on the remaining fit players to step up.

BSC Young Boys Tactics and Formation

BSC Young Boys Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forwards: Cedric Itten and Silvere Ganvoula

Defensive Line:

• BSC Young Boys will set up a solid back four consisting of Zachary Athekame, Mohamed Ali Camara, Loris Benito, and Jaouen Hadjam.
• This unit has contributed to three clean sheets in their recent matches.

Midfield Structure:

• The midfield will see Darian Males and Joel Monteiro on the flanks, with Cheikh Niasse and Lukasz Lakomy anchoring the central positions.

Attacking Strategy:

• With a two-pronged attack led by Ganvoula and Itten, the team will look to capitalize on direct offensive play.

Despite their struggles in both domestic and European campaigns, their defense-first approach and quick counter-attacks will be crucial in this match.

FK Crvena Zvezda Team Analysis

Crvena Zvezda has shown mixed form recently, with three impressive wins in their last five matches, marked by high-scoring performances. Their strength in attack is highlighted by an average of 3.80 goals scored per game, showcasing their offensive capability. However, issues at the back persist, as they managed just one clean sheet in their last five appearances. Radonjic remains pivotal, having scored three goals in this period, and their firepower could be decisive against Young Boys.

FK Crvena Zvezda Key Players

Crvena Zvezda’s squad is spearheaded by Nemanja Radonjić, who has netted three goals in their recent outings. His performance will be crucial, especially when creating opportunities and finishing against the Young Boys’ defense. Additionally, Cherif Ndiaye will be pivotal up top, supported by the creative presence of Mirko Ivanić in the attacking midfield role. Expect key battles on the pitch, particularly down the flanks where Radonjić faces Young Boys’ full-backs. Expected lineup for FK Crvena Zvezda:

• Goalkeeper: Omri Glazer
• Defenders: Ognjen Mudić, Nasser Djiga, Uroš Spajić, Young-woo Seol
• Midfielders: Rade Krunić, Timi Max Elšnik, Silas Katompa Mvumpa, Mirko Ivanić, Nemanja Radonjić
• Attacker: Cherif Ndiaye

FK Crvena Zvezda Suspensions & Injuries

Peter Olayinka’s absence due to an Achilles tendon injury will be a notable miss for FK Crvena Zvezda, especially in their attacking options. Olayinka, renowned for his pace and finishing, will be sidelined until mid-February 2025.

The team is otherwise free from suspensions, meaning manager Vladan Milojevic can mainly focus on tactics without worrying about player bans. This could provide a boost against BSC Young Boys in this crucial Champions League fixture.

FK Crvena Zvezda Tactics and Formation

FK Crvena Zvezda’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Goalkeeper: Omri Glazer
• Defensive Line:
  • Right back: Ognjen Mimovic
  • Right center back: Nasser Djiga
  • Left center back: Uros Spajic
  • Left back: Young-Woo Seol
• Midfield Pair:
  • Right defensive midfielder: Rade Krunic
  • Left defensive midfielder: Timi Max Elšnik
• Attacking Trio:
  • Right wing: Silas Katompa Mvumpa
  • Attacking midfielder: Mirko Ivanic
  • Left wing: Nemanja Radonjic
• Key Forward: Cherif Ndiaye

FK Crvena Zvezda will rely on a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, with a solid defensive foundation bolstered by Djiga and Spajic at the heart of the defense. The attacking threat predominantly comes from Radonjic, the team’s top scorer, and Cherif Ndiaye up front. Expect dynamic wing play and solid midfield control, aiming to exploit any defensive frailties in BSC Young Boys’ lineup.