SSL: Crvena Zvezda v Partizan preview

Partizan is away to Crvena Zvezda on Saturday (6pm CET kick-off) for a Linglong Tire Serbian Super Liga round 31 fixture and 167^th edition of Eternal Belgrade derby respectively.

H2H (last six)

CZ 2, Partizan 1, Drawn 3. Gd: 5-4, CZ.

TEAM NEWS

Nemanja Jovic (four bookings) is suspended, Ljubomir Fejsa is close to full fitness. Danilo Pantic (hamstring) is a long-term absentee.

Partizan boss Aleksandar Stanojevic ahead of upcoming derby game:

-We know what the upcoming game means to us. Unfortunately, we are playing away although we deserved to be home in this play-off meeting if we look at our overall performances during the season.

We`ll be in our strongest line-up and we want to come out much stronger compared to previous derby match. I`m really interested to see how my team will enter the game, I want to see if they are going to show their character in the eve of everything that`s happening off the pitch.

I also noticed everyone believes it`s going to be hard for us to win there. Derby is a specific thing, but we hope for the best. Boys found it hard dropping two points against Cukaricki although we played one of the best games of the season. It wasn`t about result really, but about the things from the outside influencing everything. Actually, it`s good we played well against Cukaricki, we can look at things positively as a result.

We all have strategy and considering Crvena Zvezda keeps winning, we have to win them to remain competitive title-wise. We will attack there but home side might prevent us from getting there. We cannot play defensively, we have to go for a win.

We are ready for all team rotations Crvena Zvezda might do. I don`t think they`ll make dramatic changes. Of course, the will be looking for small things, potential surprises but I believe Stankovic will come out with similar team to the one he played against us back in February.

Derby is important but not crucial. Each upcoming game is crucial. Boys are great, calm and in a good mood. All I want from them is to come out and give their best. You cannot influence certain things.

I know my line-up but players don`t. They will not know who`s gonna be between the posts and in the field even after the last training session before the game.

PHOTO GALLERY: SANDIC PHOTOGRAPHY