The stakes couldn't be higher as IMT Novi Beograd hosts the league leaders FK Partizan on December 20, 2025, in a clash that holds championship implications. IMT finds itself struggling at 13th place with just 19 points from 19 matches, while Partizan is soaring at the top with a commanding 46 points. A victory for IMT could spark a much-needed revival in their campaign, but standing in their way is a formidable Partizan side that has been on an impressive run, collecting crucial points week after week.
Predicted Lineups
IMT Novi Beograd: GK: Kadir Gicić, DEF: Marko Luković, Antoine Batisse, Moussa Sissako, Ismael Casas, MID: Vasilije Novičić, Luka Luković, Olivier Thill; FWD: Sankara Karamoko.
FK Partizan: GK: Marko Milošević, DEF: Aranđel Stojković, Nikola Simic, Milan Roganović; MID: Vanja Dragojević, Ognjen Ugrešić, Nemanja Trifunović; FWD: Jovan Milošević.
When you look at IMT's recent form-five games without a win-they're clearly battling demons. The last match against Železničar Pančevo highlighted their inability to capitalize on possession. They dominated possession (36% to 64%) yet only managed two shots on target out of nine attempts. Their failure to convert opportunities speaks volumes about the mental struggle plaguing this squad. How can you build confidence when every match feels like running into a brick wall?
On the other hand, FK Partizan is oozing confidence after back-to-back victories against Napredak and Radnicki. Despite conceding two goals in their last outing against Napredak-a side not exactly known for scoring prowess-their attacking depth is undeniable. With Jovan Milošević bagging nine goals this season and contributing significantly through assists (1), he'll undoubtedly be the focal point of their offensive efforts. They sit comfortably atop the standings primarily due to their ability to find the back of the net consistently-averaging almost three goals per game in their recent matches.
Diving deeper into statistics reveals stark contrasts between these teams. While IMT's average pass accuracy of just 68% indicates sloppy play and lack of cohesion within their ranks, Partizan's precision has been sharper at around 79%. It's simple: if you're making your passes count more effectively than your opponent-especially under pressure-you'll dictate the pace and flow of the game.
In terms of shots on goal per match over recent games: IMT registered an average of about five while Partizan fired away approximately seven times towards goal. This difference isn't merely anecdotal; it suggests an underlying tactical issue for IMT when facing teams that press high and play quickly like Partizan does. And let's not ignore set-pieces-while IMT averaged a decent number of corners per game recently (a total of eight in one instance against Cukaricki), they must transform these opportunities into tangible results rather than wasted chances.
The head-to-head history weighs heavily as well: In their previous encounter just four months ago on August 18th this year, Partizan demolished IMT with a resounding scoreline of 5-1! That psychological edge can manifest powerfully in football; players remember those moments vividly when they're lined up again on that pitch.
As we move into tactical nuances essential for both squads: IMT's manager needs to consider reverting to formations that emphasize counter-attacking football rather than trying to dictate possession they cannot hold reliably under pressure from quick-moving sides like Partizan. Could we see them adopt something more defensive? They might sacrifice some creativity going forward but perhaps gain solidity at the back instead.
For FK Partizan, continuing with their current setup makes sense-they've hit upon something effective with consistent performances from midfielders such as Ognjen Ugrešić and Jovan Milošević creating multiple chances weekly.
It comes down to mindset. The vast chasm between first and thirteenth might dishearten many teams facing such odds-but not all hope is lost for IMT because home advantage still plays its role despite form deficiencies off late! A rabid fanbase willing to support might inject some belief back into those beleaguered players!
Yet based on everything we've analyzed-the head-to-heads favoring Partizan coupled with stark statistical superiority-it's hard not to envision another challenging evening for IMT Novi Beograd as they face FK Partizan once again looking comfortable in their chase for silverware come season end.
To cut through all speculation down to brass tacks: expect FK Partizan to capitalize on defensive errors by an unconfident IMT side playing before their fans longing for relief as visitors claim victory yet again-in what could likely be another tense affair filled with momentum shifts culminating ultimately in a triumph well-deserved!