Young Boys vs Crvena Zvezda: Match Preview & Predictions

Fixture: Young Boys vs Crvena Zvezda

Date: Tuesday, 29 January 2025

Kick-off Time: 20:00 CET

Venue: Stadion Wankdorf, Bern

Competition: UEFA Champions League, Matchday 8

Young Boys take on Crvena Zvezda in a contest between two sides unable to progress to the UEFA Champions League knockout phase. Young Boys remain winless in the league phase, while Crvena Zvezda have just one victory in their campaign. This game provides both clubs an opportunity to end their European campaign on a high note.

• Total Matches Played: 6
• Young Boys Wins: 1
• Crvena Zvezda Wins: 1
• Draws: 4
  

1. Young Boys 2-0 Crvena Zvezda (Nov 2023)
2. Crvena Zvezda 2-2 Young Boys (Oct 2023)
3. Crvena Zvezda 1-1 Young Boys (Aug 2019)
4. Young Boys 2-2 Crvena Zvezda (Aug 2019)
5. Crvena Zvezda 3-0 Young Boys (Aug 2004)
6. Young Boys 2-2 Crvena Zvezda (Jul 2004)
   

• Last 5 Matches: D-L-D-W-L
• Most Recent Result: Celtic 1-0 Young Boys (UEFA Champions League)
• Key Stat: Young Boys have conceded 23 goals in their seven group-stage matches, the second-worst defensive record in the league phase.
  

• Last 5 Matches: L-W-W-W-L
• Most Recent Result: Crvena Zvezda 2-3 PSV (UEFA Champions League)
• Key Stat: Crvena Zvezda’s only Champions League victory this season came in a 5-1 demolition of Stuttgart at home. However, they have lost all their away matches this season.
  

Formation: 4-3-3 likely under coach Raphaël Wicky.

Key Players:

• Cédric Itten: The focal point in attack, with experience in European competitions.
• Darian Males: A creative outlet from midfield, instrumental in linking play.
• Lewin Blum: Capable of causing problems on the flanks with his pace and energy.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Filip Ugrinic is suspended, weakening their midfield options.
• Saidy Janko: Ruled out due to a muscle injury. 
• Christian Fassnacht: Ruled out due to an unknown injury.
• Facinet Conte: Ruled out due to a cruciate ligament tear.
  

Formation: 4-2-3-1 under coach Barak Bachar.

Key Players:

• Cherif Ndiaye: A physical presence up front, with 2 goals in the competition this season.
• Guélor Kanga: The creative force in midfield, experienced at this level.
• Uroš Spajić: Provides leadership and stability in defence.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Several players, including Ndiaye and Maksimović, risk suspension with another booking.
• Peter Olayinka: Ruled out an Achilles tendon injury. 
• Omri Glazer: Ruled out due to an adductor injury.
• Adem Avdic: Ruled out due to a knee injury.
  

Young Boys will likely rely on their home advantage and aim to control possession, using their wingers to stretch Crvena Zvezda’s defence. However, defensive fragility remains a concern, especially against counter-attacks.

Crvena Zvezda will sit deep and look to exploit the spaces left by Young Boys on transitions. Ndiaye and Kanga will be critical in launching counters, while Spajić anchors a defence that has struggled in away matches.

Young Boys 2-2 Crvena Zvezda

Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities in this campaign, making it likely that goals will flow freely. A high-scoring draw seems probable given their recent form.

Despite playing in four Champions League group stages, Young Boys have won just one of their last ten European home matches. Will they finally deliver in front of their fans?

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.