Young Boys vs Crvena zvezda prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-11-27 20:00.
Some of the most miserable group stage campaigns of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League (UCL) have belonged to Switzerland’s Young Boys and Serbian club Red Star Belgrade, both of whom have just one point each courtesy of a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in Belgrade. But there’s still plenty to play for, with the winner of this match in Bern to secure third place and progression to the Europa League knockout round play-offs as a result.
Young Boys’ two previous UCL group stages both ended in last place finishes and it shouldn’t be a surprise that this one could go the same way given they were drawn alongside Manchester City and RB Leipzig. But an almost perfect record as home favourites across all competitions this season (W6, D1) suggests they should relish the step down in grade against Red Star, especially with the confidence of drawing the away leg.
A potential last place finish for Red Star Belgrade would also be no shock after they bottomed out their Europa League group last season. Defending has been a chronic issue on the continental stage for the defending Serbian champions, who have now conceded goals in 12 consecutive UEFA fixtures. As a result, they won just two of the 12 matches (D2, L8) despite themselves scoring in all but one!
A woeful travelling record that consists of six consecutive away losses in UEFA football is to blame for their dearth of recent success in Europe. It could be set to change here after a run of five consecutive away wins in domestic football (the last three of which were all by a 2-1 scoreline) that should at least see them approach this fixture with some measure of confidence.
Players to watch: With Young Boys’ only goal of the weekend, Meschack Elia has now scored in four of his last six starts for his club, including a goal against Manchester City. Osman Bukari earned the highest Flashscore rating (8.5 out of 10) with a goal and an assist in the reverse fixture. He’s in stellar form after rating 8.6 out of 10 at the weekend with a league brace.
Hot streak: All eight Group G games have produced over 2.5 total goals, with five of the seven matches involving either of these clubs even seeing 4+ goals scored!