SSL: Novi Pazar v Partizan preview

Partizan is away to Novi Pazar on Sunday (9pm CET kick-off) as part of Linglong Tire Serbian Super Liga round 4 fixtures.

H2H (last six):

Partizan 4, Novi Pazar 2, Drawn 0. Gd: 18-8, Partizan.

TEAM NEWS

Obradovic, MIljkovic and Jovic are still nursing their respective injuries. Popovic recovered from his shoulder knock sustained against Sochi. Soumah is close to being back in contention.

Partizan boss Aleksandar Stanojevic ahead of Novi Pazar away:

-I`m aware what Novi Pazar away means. Someone from my coaching team informed me we only won one game there from the last seven. Therefore, it`s clear how it is when you play away to Novi Pazar and how we can confront them, what we need.

In general, I don`t rest players, I rotate. I want everyone to be in the focus. We always rotate 4 or 5 players, regardless of the fatigue present or not. We do have tired players but we have enough time get rest, to be fully ready for each upcoming match.

I spoke to goalie coach Jovsic, he believes Popovic needs a bit of continuity so we probably won`t rotate between the posts yet.

As for the right-back spot, I`m thrilled how both Zivkovic and Lutovac deputized for Miljkovic. They both deserve their minutes on the pitch and will get them.

I`m also thrilled with Ricardo`s energy, focus and desire. His qualities are undisputable. His devotion is greatest gain for me as a coach, for this team. Desire is more important than any goal scored.

Soumah had a great desire to leave but offers we received were not satisfactory for both Soumah and for the club. Now he wants to battle for his spot so it`s all up to him, time will tell. Everyone wants good player but you need to prove to this team first, not to me. You can see what kind of team spirit we have here. It`s all up to Soumah. There`s lots of players who do well, have excellent stats from last season and now. Let Soumah work, try hard and he will get his opportunity when he deserves it.

PHOTO GALLERY: MIROSLAV TODOROVIC