Lech Poznan vs Red Star Belgrade Prediction: Can Belgrade ban the signature bounce?

Lech Poznan take on Red Star Belgrade this Wednesday (19:30 BST) in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The hosts overcame Icelandic side Breidablik to reach this stage, while Red Star overcame Lincoln Red Imps to reach this third round. 

The visitors come into this first leg fresher, having seen their cup game at FK Vojvodina postponed to accommodate this match. Poznan played at the weekend, notching a 2-1 win over Gornik Zabrze. Below are my Lech Poznan vs Red Star Belgrade predictions ahead of Wednesday’s match-up.

Team News

Poznan are suffering from a raft of injuries coming into this tie. Experienced midfielder Radosław Murawski is out with a leg injury. Finland winger Daniel Hakans is sidelined with an ankle complaint. 

Patrik Walemark was the Polish league’s record signing when he swapped Feyenoord for the Kolejorz in January. Injuries dogged his time in Holland, and he finds himself back on the treatment table now. He is joined by youngster Bartlomiej Baranski, who will be hoping to make his breakthrough this season after spending the second half of last season on loan back at his former club Ruch Chorzow.

Red Star appear to have a clean bill of health coming into Wednesday evening’s match. Vladan Milojevic led his side to a 5-1 win over Lincoln Red Imps in their second leg tie and, having had a week of rest, may not change much.

Marko Arnautovic, formerly of Stoke City and West Ham United, may be pushing for a starting berth. The forward joined this summer from Inter Milan and made his debut in the second leg against the mighty Imps. Renowned as an impact sub with the Nerazzurri, it feels more likely that the 36-year-old will start on the bench.

Lech Poznan vs Red Star Belgrade Odds

A close game is anticipated here, reflected in the respective prices. Poznan are narrow favourites at 8/5, with home advantage not quite enough to tip matters in their favour. The Serbian side are 8/5, or a 38.5% chance, while a draw is priced at 23/10.

Marko Arnautovic to score last @ 9/2

The well-travelled striker was introduced with 17 minutes to go against Lincoln Red Imps. I do not think the ex-Hammer starts this game, but I do back him to be given more minutes as I have a feeling the away side will be chasing a goal in the second half.

Who better to notch that vital strike than the goal-happy veteran? The Austria international was lauded for performing such a function during his second spell at Inter. I am backing the super-sub to pull a similar feat in this game and give Red Star a goal that keeps their hopes alive for the second leg.

Draw and both teams to score @ 3/1

I think this one will be as tight as expected, with Poznan’s home advantage and momentum from a weekend win helping them out in the early going. I can see the Polish side taking the lead in front of a group of fans whose backs-to-the-action celebration has become iconic to the point that Oasis fans were doing it as the Gallagher brothers dominated the British summer.

Today's Football Fixtures

But I can see Red Star, the pre-match favourites, finding their way back into the tie. The Red-Whites did not have to play at the weekend, meaning they could be better equipped for a full-pelt 90 here. I think they manage to take this tie back to Stadion Rajko Mitic on level terms.

Football Odds

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