Chrobry Glogow vs Warta Poznan on 1 February
On February 1st, two Polish clubs, Chrobry Glogow and Warta Poznan, will meet in a highly anticipated friendly match that serves as a mid-season test for both teams. The game takes place at the Stadion Glogow and promises to offer a fascinating tactical duel. While friendly matches don’t come with the same competitive intensity as league fixtures, both teams will be eager to build momentum and fine-tune their squads ahead of the second half of the season. For Chrobry Glogow, the match offers a chance to develop cohesion and address their defensive vulnerabilities, while Warta Poznan will seek to continue their impressive form and sharpen their attacking rhythm. What’s at stake is more than just the result; it’s about preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the Polish Ekstraklasa.
Chrobry Glogow: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Chrobry Glogow has shown a mixed bag of results in their recent friendly matches, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five games. The team has tended to favor a solid 4-4-2 setup, with an emphasis on disciplined defensive positioning and rapid counter-attacks. Their xG (expected goals) in the last five matches averages around 1.2 per game, suggesting that they struggle to create high-quality chances despite often controlling possession. Their build-up play tends to be direct, with long balls aimed at their target man upfront, but they can be exposed if forced to play through midfield.
One of the primary weaknesses for Chrobry has been their tendency to give up possession too easily in the middle third of the pitch, which has led to a high number of pressing actions from their opponents. This issue was evident in their recent 3-1 defeat to Zaglebie Lubin, where they conceded two quick goals following turnovers in dangerous areas. However, when on the counter, they can be lethal—especially when their wingers, such as Dawid Retlewski, are able to break in behind opposing full-backs. The transition play will be a crucial area to monitor against Warta Poznan, who will look to press high and quickly reclaim possession.
In terms of key players, Chrobry’s defense has been anchored by captain and central defender, Piotr Stawinski. However, his physical limitations have been exposed in recent matches, especially when facing pacey attackers. The midfield pivot, consisting of Adam Chrzanowski and Bartosz Ślusarczyk, will need to tighten up their passing accuracy and work rate to stem the tide when possession is lost. Chrobry’s attack is heavily reliant on their forward partnership of Marcel Gajos and Retlewski, but they’ve been inconsistent in terms of finishing chances. Gajos, in particular, needs to improve his hold-up play and link-up with the midfield.
Warta Poznan: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Warta Poznan enters this match in strong form, having gone unbeaten in their last five friendly matches with three wins and two draws. Their primary tactical formation under coach Dawid Szulczek has been a fluid 4-2-3-1, which provides both defensive solidity and offensive versatility. They are known for their high press and controlled possession, averaging over 60% possession in most of their fixtures. Warta’s xG has consistently been above 1.8 in recent matches, showing their ability to create quality chances from wide areas and through their creative No. 10, Jakub Kwiatkowski.
One of Warta’s strengths is their adaptability—whether it’s controlling possession in midfield or playing direct when necessary, they can dictate the tempo of the game. In their last encounter, a 2-0 win over Górnik Zabrze, Warta displayed their high pressing game, forcing their opponents into errors deep in their own half. Defensively, their center-back pairing of Mateusz Żyro and Jakub Matuszczyk has been solid, although they have shown some vulnerability against fast, direct counter-attacks. Their full-backs, Wojciech Kaczmarek and Damian Gajda, are often involved in the attacking phase, overlapping to create overloads on the wings.
Key players for Warta Poznan include Kwiatkowski, whose vision and passing range make him the creative hub in the final third, and striker Dawid Kownacki, who has been in fine form, scoring two goals in their last three friendly appearances. Kownacki’s movement in and around the box will be crucial in breaking down Chrobry’s defensive block. Warta’s ability to maintain their shape while pressing will be key in this match, as they look to control possession and exploit the space left behind by Chrobry’s counter-attacking style. The fitness of Kwiatkowski, who has had some injury concerns, will be an important factor to monitor in the lead-up to the match.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The recent head-to-head record between Chrobry Glogow and Warta Poznan is one-sided, with Warta having won three of the last five encounters. The most recent match, a 2-1 victory for Warta Poznan, highlighted the difference in attacking quality between the two teams. Chrobry Glogow has struggled against high-pressing teams, and Warta’s ability to quickly regain possession and transition into dangerous attacks has been a recurring theme in their victories. Historically, Chrobry has shown vulnerability when faced with teams that can dictate the pace, and Warta’s aggressive pressing game has often exposed their weaknesses.
Psychologically, Chrobry may feel under pressure, given their inconsistent form and their inability to keep pace with teams that excel in possession-based football. Warta, on the other hand, enters this match full of confidence and will look to assert their dominance early, taking control of the midfield and pressing Chrobry into mistakes.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most critical duels in this match will be in the wide areas. Chrobry’s wingers, particularly Retlewski, will face off against Warta’s attacking full-backs, Gajda and Kaczmarek. If Chrobry can get their wide players into space, they will have an opportunity to exploit Warta’s slightly advanced defensive shape. However, Warta’s full-backs are well-drilled in defensive transitions, and their ability to quickly double down on Chrobry’s wingers could neutralize this threat.
Another key area will be the midfield battle. Chrobry’s central midfield duo of Chrzanowski and Ślusarczyk will need to outplay Warta’s engine, Kwiatkowski. If Kwiatkowski is allowed to dictate the tempo and create passing lanes, Warta will dominate the middle of the pitch and stretch Chrobry’s defense. Chrobry’s midfielders will need to impose themselves with high pressing and quick transitions to disrupt Warta’s buildup play.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the tactical approaches of both teams, it’s likely that Warta Poznan will dominate possession early, pressing high and forcing Chrobry to play on the counter. Chrobry will likely sit deep and look to exploit the space left behind by Warta’s attacking full-backs. The key to this match will be Warta’s ability to break down Chrobry’s defensive block and how well Chrobry can execute their counter-attacks. If Kownacki and Kwiatkowski perform at their best, Warta will likely take the game to Chrobry, and it’s hard to see the home side holding out for long without conceding.
Prediction: Warta Poznan to win 2-1. Expect a closely contested game, with Warta eventually breaking through Chrobry’s defense with a combination of high pressing and quick transitions.
Final Thoughts
This friendly match between Chrobry Glogow and Warta Poznan provides an intriguing clash of styles—Warta’s possession-based play and high pressing against Chrobry’s counter-attacking style. The result will depend on Warta’s ability to maintain their pressing intensity and whether Chrobry can find moments of brilliance on the counter. One key question this match will answer: Can Chrobry’s defense withstand the intensity of Warta’s pressing game and capitalize on their counter-attacks?
