The clash between Posušje and Velež on November 23, 2025, at Stadion Mokri Dolac isn't just a regular season fixture; it's a high-stakes confrontation that could alter the trajectories of both teams as they navigate the murky waters of the Premijer Liga. With Posušje languishing in the depths of the standings with only nine points from fourteen matches and Velež sitting more comfortably in sixth place with nineteen points, the desperation for three points couldn't be more pronounced for the home side. A defeat for Posušje would plunge them deeper into relegation fears, while a win for Velež would solidify their position and keep them firmly in contention for European qualification.
Recent form tells a stark story: Posušje has lost four out of their last five matches, desperately struggling to find consistency or any offensive firepower-scoring just one goal during that stretch. In contrast, Velež arrives buoyed by three consecutive league victories, showcasing their ability to grind out results with defensive solidity. This match will pit Posušje's necessity against Velež's growing confidence-a classic case of a team on the ropes versus one seeking to capitalize on their momentum.
Let's dive into tactical dynamics: Posušje's formation under pressure seems fluid yet disjointed. They've frequently lined up in a cautious 4-2-3-1 setup, looking to consolidate defensively but lacking creativity going forward. Their reliance on counterattacks has fallen flat due to an alarming trend: they've managed only 0.64 expected goals (xG) per game over their last five outings. It underscores how critical it is for players like the often-isolated striker needing to elevate his game and link up effectively with support from midfielders who have been largely absent in recent games.
On the flip side, Velež has enjoyed stability with their preferred 4-3-3 formation which grants them both width and central control. They've displayed impressive attacking cohesion-averaging around 1.4 xG in their last five fixtures-while also maintaining an admirable defensive line that allows just over 1 goal against per match. Key contributors like Sanel Kapidžić, who scored the winner last week against Radnik Bijeljina, will be pivotal as he exploits spaces left by a vulnerable Posušje backline that appears increasingly shaky under pressure.
Statistics highlight additional contrasts between these squads' recent performances. While Velež has consistently posted decent possession stats around 54%, utilizing quick transitions and efficient pressing after losing possession, Posušje averages a troubling 44% possession-a recipe for disaster against an organized side like Velež which can easily exploit countering opportunities when opposing teams struggle to hold onto the ball.
Key players to watch include Ante Živković for Posušje; his creativity and vision are critical if they're to break down what promises to be a resolute Velež defense. Conversely, Harun Bekić is vital for Velež-not just because he carries a threat up front but also due to his pressing ability which could suffocate any buildup from Posušje's midfielders.
Matchups will be decisive: Expect tactical battles between midfields where Kapidžić may exploit mismatches against possibly fatigued opponents who have chased shadows all season long; this is where composure under pressure will define each team's fate.
In head-to-head terms, it's worth noting that earlier this season saw an unexpected victory for Posušje (1-0), suggesting psychological warfare could play its part too. However, given current form disparities and Velež's increasing confidence matched against Posušje's growing desperation, it looks bleak for the home side as they attempt to claw back into relevance.
The narrative hinges on whether Posušje can conjure magic from desperation or if Velež uses this opportunity as yet another stepping stone towards reclaiming higher ground within this tightly contested league landscape. My take? Expect Velež to extend their winning streak here-they're simply too organized defensively while enjoying good form compared to a fraught Posušje still searching desperately for answers amidst turmoil. A predicted scoreline could very well read something akin to 2-0 in favor of Velež, as they leverage depth in squad strength and collective belief while pushing downward struggles even further into chaos at Stadion Mokri Dolac.