The Matchday 8 clash in the 2024/25 Champions League group stage between Young Boys (Switzerland) and Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) will take place on January 29 at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern. Young Boys vs. Red Star Belgrade: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Young Boys
Giorgio Contini's side failed to overcome Celtic away in the last round, losing 0-1. As a result, Young Boys suffered their seventh consecutive defeat in the Champions League. Alongside Slovan, they are one of only two clubs yet to earn a point in the group stage. Young Boys are at the bottom of the table, trailing the Slovaks on goal difference. It should be noted that even before the last round, the team had no chance of reaching the playoffs.
Defender Saidy Janko will miss the match due to injury, and midfielder Cheikh Niasse is not registered for the match. Midfielder Filip Ugrinic is suspended.
- The club has lost in regular time in 5 of their last 7 home matches in the Champions League.
- The team has conceded at least two goals in 90 minutes in 5 of their last 7 home games in this European competition.
- The number "1" has appeared in the scoreline at the end of regular time in the last five matches of the Swiss team in the Champions League.
Red Star Belgrade
In the last round, Vladan Milojević's side lost 2-3 at home to PSV. As a result, Red Star Belgrade suffered their sixth defeat in their last seven Champions League matches. Moreover, the team has conceded at least three goals for the fourth time in the group stage. In the standings, the Serbs have only three points and sit in 32nd position. The club has lost all chances of advancing to the playoffs and will not rise above 28th place.
Forward Peter Olayinka will miss the match due to injury.
- The team has lost in regular time in their last eight away matches in the Champions League.
- The club has not scored more than once in 90 minutes in their last seven away games in this European competition.
- The Serbs have conceded at least two goals in regular time in their last eight away matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineups for Young Boys vs. Red Star Belgrade
Young Boys (4-4-2): Marvin Keller – Zakaria Atekame, Mohamed Ali Camara, Loris Benito, Jaouen Hadjam – Sandro Lauper, Kastriot Imeri, Lukasz Lakomy, Darian Males – Joel Monteiro, Silvere Ganvoula.
Red Star Belgrade (4-2-3-1): Omri Glazer – Uroš Spajić, Nasser Djiga, Ognjen Mijailović, Sol Yeon U – Rade Krunić, Timi Elsnik – Silas Mvumpa, Mirko Ivanić, Nemanja Radonjić – Sheriff Ndiaye.
Referee: Umut Meler (Turkey)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 23;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 33%.
Young Boys vs. Red Star Belgrade: Match Prediction
The Swiss side is struggling in this year's Champions League, and as a result, Young Boys are no longer in contention for a playoff spot. However, the club will likely try to end on a positive note and aim for a win, so I expect Giorgio Contini's side to be active in attack. Moreover, the club regularly scores at home: in 16 of their last 18 home matches in the Champions League, Young Boys have found the net. Meanwhile, in their last 21 home games in this European competition, the Swiss have only kept a clean sheet twice.
Red Star Belgrade plays in a similar manner: the team is not afraid to push forward with many players and sometimes forgets about defense. In 7 of their last 9 away matches in the Champions League, the Serbs have scored against opponents, including goals against Milan, Leipzig, and Manchester City. However, in their last eight away encounters in this tournament, the team has not managed to keep a clean sheet and has conceded at least two goals in each match during this period.
I expect a high-scoring game from both opponents, so my prediction: Both teams to score – yes
