Following on from Manchester City’s weekend win over West Ham is City’s UEFA Champions League group G opener against Red Star Belgrade. The next opposition watch for the treble winners is Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade.
The Serbian side booked their ticket to the UEFA Champions League group stage by securing the Serbian SuperLiga title last season. They were runaway winners of the league title with an undefeated league campaign. 30 wins and 7 draws was enough to see them romp to the Serbian SuperLiga title by 22 points. They also secured the Serbian Cup to make it a historical league/cup double for the club.
Red Star currently sit 3rd in the Serbian SuperLiga table. 5 wins and 2 losses have the reigning champions 4 points behind league leaders Backs Topola after 7 games. They head into their trip to the Etihad off the back of a 2-1 loss away to Cucaricki. Red Star dominated the game but succumbed to the hosts who put their chances away while Red Star did not.
Red Star Belgrade under manager Barak Bakhar typically play a 4-1-4-1 formation. They typically dominate possession in their SuperLiga matches. Last season they were strong at the back, but this season they haven’t clicked defensively. Their defence has conceded 7 goals in 7 SuperLiga games this season.
The Serbian champions do however possess a threat up front. They have scored 21 goals in their 7 league games this season. Jean-Philippe Krasso is their top scorer so far this season with 6 goals. Peter Olayinka has the most assists for the club with 3 this campaign.
While they will be massive underdogs for the clash with Manchester City at the Etihad, Red Star Belgrade will fancy their chances of giving Pep Guardiola’s squad a tough contest in the Group G opener.
