SSL: Partizan v Cukaricki preview

Partizan is home to Cukaricki on Saturday (4pm CET kick-off) as part of Linglong Tire Serbian Super Liga round 17 fixtures.

H2H (last six)

Partizan 4, Cukaricki 1, Drawn 1. Gd: 14-7, Partizan.

TEAM NEWS

Bahebeck and Lazar Markovic are sidelined due to their respective injuries, Holender (illness) is out of contention too.

Partizan boss Aleksandar Stanojevic on upcoming encounter:

“We play well lately. Team is in a good mood, this is an exceptional and down to earth group of players fighting for European spot next season”.

A bit of a problem is that we have three forwards unavailable. We have a big rooster but when you have Holender, Bahebeck and Markovic out, that`s a problem for us. But, whatever the situation, we can always find a solution”.

“You can live with five or six injuries but the problem is when they happen to players at the same position. We`ll have to finish this year somehow, that`s how it is”.

 “Bahebeck is sure to miss out but I hope to see him back in contention for the next game. We`ll have to see if youngster Stulic is ready for the big match later in the day, after the training session. He came in against Proleter and hinted his ability but we`ll have to decide yet on his starting line-up inclusion”.

“I know Cukaricki boss Djordjevic all too well and his playing style is always direct but I`m pleased with our defence – we don`t allow too many opportunities although we shuffle a bit at the back. Players accept it all and we look firm at the back but everyone is part of defence to start with”.

“As for Soumah…He`s always dangerous, being a starter or if he comes in from the bench. But, he missed a month of training due to injury and there`s a question mark over his full fitness. We`ll have to make a decision there as well.