Lugano and Partizan Set for Crucial Europa League Qualifier
Lugano vs Partizan Prediction: Lugano is expected to draw 1-1 with Partizan but advance 2-1 on aggregate, narrowly securing their place in the next round of Europa League qualification.
The stage is set for an intriguing UEFA Europa League third qualifying round second leg clash between FC Lugano and FK Partizan at the Stockhorn Arena in Thun, Switzerland on Thursday evening. With Lugano holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Belgrade, both sides have everything to play for as they aim to progress to the playoff round.
Match Preview
Lugano will be looking to capitalize on their first leg victory and secure passage to the next stage of qualifying on home soil. The Swiss side grabbed a vital away goal through Mattia Zanotti’s 74th minute strike in Belgrade last week, giving them a platform to build on. However, manager Mattia Croci-Torti will be wary of Partizan’s threat and know his team cannot afford to be complacent.
For Partizan, the task is clear – they must score at least once to have any chance of overturning the deficit. The Serbian outfit struggled to break down Lugano’s defense in the first encounter despite having decent spells of possession. Manager Aleksandar Stanojevic will demand a more clinical performance from his attackers as they seek to keep their European dreams alive.
Predicted Lugano vs Partizan Lineups and Formations
Lugano Lineup (4-3-3): Saipi; Zanotti, Papadopoulos, El Wafi, Valenzuela; Mahmoud, Grgic, Bislimi; Aliseda, Przybylko, Cimignani
Partizan Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jovanovic; De Medina, Markovic, Mujakic, Jurcevic; Arriaga, Zahid; Kalulu, Jun-Goh, Severina; Saldanha
Lugano are likely to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that served them well in Belgrade. The back four should remain unchanged, while Croci-Torti may opt for fresh legs in midfield and attack to maintain intensity.
Partizan could revert to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 setup as they chase the game. Young-jun Goh, who made an impact off the bench in the first leg, may be handed a start in the number 10 role behind striker Saldanha.
Injured and Unavailable Players
Both teams are dealing with some absences as they prepare for this crucial encounter. Here’s a list of players who are either injured or unavailable for the match:
Lugano
- Mattia Bottani: The forward remains sidelined with a muscle injury and will miss this important fixture.
Partizan
- No specific injuries or suspensions have been reported for Partizan ahead of this match.
Both managers may still make last-minute decisions based on fitness tests or tactical considerations.
Where to Watch Live?
The match kicks off at 19:30 local time (18:30 UTC) on Thursday, August 15th. Television coverage varies by region:
- Switzerland: Blue Sport, RSI La 2
- Serbia: Arena 3 Premium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Arena Sport 2
- Croatia: Arena Sport 6 Croatia
- Slovenia: Arena Sport 1 Premium
- Montenegro: Arena 3 Premium
- Macedonia: Arena 3 Premium
- Liechtenstein: Blue Sport
Fans in other countries should check their local listings for potential broadcast options.
Who Will Win? Prediction and Analysis
This encounter is delicately poised, with Lugano holding a slender advantage but Partizan possessing the quality to turn things around. The Swiss side’s home form has been inconsistent of late, winning just three of their last seven competitive matches at the Stockhorn Arena.
Partizan’s away record in Europe is also mixed, having won only four of their last 16 road games in continental competition. However, they have the attacking talent to trouble Lugano’s backline if they can find their rhythm.
Given the tight nature of the first leg and the stakes involved, another cagey affair could be on the cards. Lugano will likely look to protect their lead while remaining a threat on the counter, while Partizan must balance their need for goals with defensive solidity.
Lugano vs Partizan Prediction is Lugano 1-1 Partizan (Lugano to advance 2-1 on aggregate)
The hosts may do just enough to see out the tie, but expect Partizan to push them all the way in what should be an engrossing contest.
Key Stats and Form
- Lugano’s 1-0 win in Belgrade was their first Europa League victory in nine attempts
- Partizan have scored in 8 of their last 10 European away matches
- Lugano have kept clean sheets in 3 of their last 5 home games in all competitions
- Partizan have failed to score in their last two competitive fixtures
- In the first leg, Lugano had 13 shots and 71% possession, but failed to create any big chances
- Partizan managed 11 shots in the first leg, with 6 efforts from inside the penalty area
Head-to-Head Record
The first leg encounter last week was the first-ever competitive meeting between these two sides. Their only previous clash came in that match, which Lugano won 1-0 in Belgrade.
Current Standings
Swiss Super League (After 4 rounds):
- FC Zurich – 10 pts
- Sion – 9 pts
- St. Gallen – 9 pts
- Lugano – 9 pts
Serbian SuperLiga (After 4 rounds):
- Cukaricki – 12 pts
- TSC – 10 pts
- Partizan – 9 pts
- Radnicki Kragujevac – 9 pts
Latest News
- Lugano suffered a 3-2 defeat to Luzern in their most recent Swiss Super League fixture on Sunday
- Partizan were held to a goalless draw by IMT in their last Serbian SuperLiga outing
- The winner of this tie will advance to the Europa League playoff round, where they will face either Ajax or Ludogorets
As the hours count down to kickoff, both Lugano and Partizan will be fine-tuning their tactics and mentally preparing for what promises to be a gripping European night in Switzerland. With a place in the Europa League playoffs at stake, fans can expect a closely-fought battle between two sides desperate for continental success.
FAQs
Where To Watch Live Match of Lugano vs Partizan?
Fans can watch Lugano vs Partizan live on Blue Sport in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and on Arena Sport channels in several Balkan countries, with kickoff at 18:30 UTC on August 15th.
Who Will Win Between Lugano vs Partizan?
Lugano is predicted to draw 1-1 with Partizan but advance 2-1 on aggregate, narrowly securing their place in the next round of Europa League qualification.
Are There Any Injuries in Lugano vs Partizan Match?
Lugano forward Mattia Bottani is sidelined with a muscle injury, while no specific injuries have been reported for Partizan ahead of this crucial Europa League qualifier.
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