The forthcoming weekend will be marked by the duel of two old foes, Beograd Vukovi and Legionaries from Sremska Mitrovica. However, their tenure and trailblazing reputation are abou the only similarities they share entering this match, as the Vukovi are currently leading the SELAF table with two wins, with Legionaries firmly entrenched at its bottom with two defeats.
Based on their current form and standings, Vukovi are considered to be favourites for the sunday game, which will be played at the Obilic stadium, starting from 16h. Vukovi head coach Igor Hoffmann realizes the role his team has been given, and is expecting a good enough performance to justify it. “We prepared ourselves for this game as if it was any other one, with undiminished intensity. Our duels have already a rich tradition, and playing the Legionaries is always demanding, but I feel we will overcome them and notch another win for the club”, said Hoffmann for our site. Worth noting that the Legionaries have never beaten Vukovi so far, whose +/- differential against the Legion in official games is a huge 83-20.
Defensive captain Zoran Damnjanović was a bit more cautious in his statements. “Games against Legionaries are always tense and hard-fought. Even though we are considered favourites here, the task at hand is a difficult one. As witnessed in our game versus Novi Sad, everybody`s constantly improving, and the favourite roles are shifting with the tide. I believe in our victory, but our performance will have to be inch-perfect for that to happen”, stated Damnjanović, adding that the key for his team will be limiting Legionaries` star RB Zoran Lončarević.
As for the “Legion”, they arrive to the capital with five standard players missing, but morale intact. Legionaries GM Ramazi Inaišvili believes that his team can make a difference, provided the effort is there come sunday. “We came out of that Ljubljana game as a better team, as we worked hard to fix the shortcomings we`ve had so far, notably in the discipline department. We`re not saddled by any imperative against the Vukovi, so maybe the mental relief will help our players perform better”, said Inaišvili.
Legionaries team captain Darko Šimleša is also aware of the opposition`s strength, going as far as to name them the best Serbian side currently. “Despite our injuries, I hope our newfound discipline and motivation will be enough to give Vukovi a good game”, quoth Šimleša.