- Red Star Belgrade are expected to win this game as they did the last.
- Larne are a well-organised, compact unit who have been tough to break down on the road.
- Larne average 0.40 goals conceded across their last 5 away matches.
Don’t underestimate this David
FK Red Star Belgrade come into this game as the huge favourites following a 4-0 victory over Larne in the last round of UEFA Champions League Qualification 2026.
Dejan Stankovic's side have been in fine form since taking over the top job in Serbia, combining structure with an aggressive front-foot style that is pinning Larne deep and looking to cause chaos when they turn over the ball.
Larne are a compact, well-organised side and have conceded 0.40 goals on their travels over the same period. Gary Haveron has set his side up to play in a 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 formation, staying compact and keeping men in the middle to protect their defence while trying to pick up set pieces or pace in transition.
Larne are no mugs
Red Star's last 5 games in all competitions reads W2, D1, L2. It's not perfect, but it's a solid run for a team who have hit 10 goals across that run. Bruno Duarte has been the danger man, finding the net 4 times. Larne's form has been patchy at best, with 3 wins across their last 5 in all competitions. However, with 6 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats from their last 10, they can put a run together and are arriving here with some momentum in spite of the 4-0 defeat to Red Star. Matthew Lusty has hit his stride for the Northern Irish side, notching 4 of their 11 goals across their last 5 games. Dan Bent is their top scorer in UEFA Champions League Qualification 2026, with 1 goal from 3 appearances.
Red Star to maintain 100% record
The head-to-head in this tie is already lop-sided, with Red Star having put the result beyond all doubt in the reverse fixture. We don't see that changing on Wednesday.
The odds on Red Star winning are skinny, but we'll take it on the chin and go for another Red Star win in a game that's likely to be more cagey.
Larne are a narrow unit, and we see them trying to keep it tight in Serbia. Red Star are a possession-based side who will overrun the visitors at times, but the hosts' inability to keep it all together should ensure it's a tight game. Red Star are averaging 3.40 goals scored and 2.00 conceded in their last 5 home matches, so under 2.5 goals or BTTS-No looks good here.
