Crvena Zvezda vs Ludogorets Predictions

• Crvena Zvezda have won three of their four home matches against Bulgarian opposition.
• Seven of Ludogorets’ last nine Europa League away games have seen the same result at both half-time and full-time.
• Ludogorets have lost each of their last two away games.

Fortress in Belgrade

Prior to their 1-0 loss at home to Midtjylland in matchday three of the Europa League, Crvena Zvezda had gone over two years without losing in their own backyard. Bayern Munich were the last team to do it up until three weeks ago but the hosts have bounced back with three successive wins on the road and return to the Serbian capital hoping to reassert their authority.

That loss ended a nine-match unbeaten run at home in the Europa League but the home side will be confident in kickstarting another unbeaten run against the Bulgarian side.

Ludogorets floundering

The visitors drew their opening game of the group but since then have lost three successive games and are unlikely to be playing on the continent come the new year. They conceded four goals in a 4-2 loss at Braga in their last European game extending their winless run in this competition to 16 matches.

In each of their last five Europa League away games, Ludogorets have also conceded inside the opening 25 minutes and that’s why I’m predicting the hosts for a double result here. I reckon Red Star will control the game throughout with a goal in each half for a 2-0 victory.

Aleksandar Katai could well find himself on the scoresheet having netted 13 goals in his last 13 games.