IMT Novi Beograd vs Rubin on 21 January
The upcoming friendly match between IMT Novi Beograd and Rubin promises to be a fascinating encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement ahead of the new season. The match is set to take place on January 21st, in the Russian Clubs Friendly Games tournament, and it will provide valuable insights into how these sides are preparing for their respective campaigns. While friendly games often serve as opportunities for managers to experiment, the intensity of the contest will be palpable as both teams look to find form and rhythm ahead of the business end of their seasons.
IMT Novi Beograd: Tactical Approach and Current Form
IMT Novi Beograd enters this match with a strong record in recent games, boasting an impressive run of form in their last five outings. Their tactical setup under coach Aleksandar Stanojević has been one of controlled aggression, preferring to dominate possession and press high when out of possession. With a 56% average possession in their last five games, they have shown a preference for controlling the midfield and building attacks from the back. The team’s build-up play is patient, with a focus on quick, sharp passing to break down opposition defenses. Their average pass completion rate stands at 84%, highlighting their technical proficiency.
Their 4-3-3 formation has seen them line up with two wingers who like to stretch the opposition, while the central midfield is tasked with dictating the tempo. The full-backs play a crucial role, often pushing forward to support the attack. One of their key strengths is their pressing game, with an average of 16 high pressing actions per match. This aggressive style has allowed them to win back possession in the final third, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. IMT’s ability to exploit wide areas and link up play through the middle will be crucial to breaking down Rubin's defensive structure.
Key players for IMT include their captain and central midfielder, Nikola Jovanović, whose vision and passing accuracy will be pivotal in linking defense to attack. Jovanović’s ability to dictate the tempo and set the rhythm of play has made him the engine of the team. In attack, their winger, Marko Vukčević, will be crucial. He has been in scintillating form, with three goals and two assists in the last five matches, using his pace and dribbling skills to beat defenders and create space. However, the absence of their starting striker, Nemanja Milošević, through injury could pose a challenge, with their attacking play lacking a clinical edge in his absence.
Rubin: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Rubin, under the leadership of head coach Leonid Slutsky, approaches this match with a more pragmatic, counter-attacking style. Rubin’s last five games have been a mixed bag, with an emphasis on defensive solidity and quick transitions. Their average possession in those games has been lower than IMT’s, standing at 48%, but they have proven effective at soaking up pressure and hitting on the counter. Their defensive organization has been solid, with an average of 11 interceptions and 15 clearances per game, highlighting their ability to disrupt opposing attacks.
Rubin typically lines up in a 4-4-2 formation, with two strikers tasked with pressuring the opposition defense while the wingers stay compact and support the full-backs. The midfield is often narrow, designed to close passing lanes and stifle the opposition’s playmakers. This tactical approach allows them to focus on quick, direct passes once they win the ball back, with their full-backs capable of overlapping and delivering dangerous crosses. Rubin’s focus will be on maintaining defensive discipline and exploiting IMT’s high defensive line with pacey counter-attacks.
Key players for Rubin include their central midfielder, Cristian Noboa, who acts as the pivot in their midfield. His ability to control the tempo of matches and break up opposition play is vital. In attack, Rubin’s danger man is the striker, Denis Makarov, who has scored twice in the last five matches. His off-the-ball movement and ability to exploit space behind defensive lines will be essential in this encounter. Rubin also has a defensive stalwart in the form of central defender Vitaliy Kafanov, whose aerial ability and physicality make him a key figure in dealing with set pieces and crosses. Rubin’s biggest concern is the fitness of their star winger, Roman Eremenko, who is a doubt due to a minor knock. His absence could deprive them of creativity in the final third, but their tactical discipline should still offer them a solid base to build from.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their previous encounters, IMT Novi Beograd has had the upper hand, winning two of the last three meetings. Their most recent clash ended in a 2-1 victory for IMT, a game where their aggressive pressing and quick transition play ultimately proved too much for Rubin. However, Rubin’s resilience should not be underestimated. Their ability to absorb pressure and hit teams on the counter has often led to strong performances against sides that dominate possession. A recurring trend in their clashes has been the impact of set pieces, with Rubin often looking dangerous from dead-ball situations, while IMT’s vulnerability on crosses and long throws has been exposed in past encounters.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The most decisive battle will occur in the wide areas of the pitch, where IMT’s wingers, particularly Vukčević, will face off against Rubin’s full-backs. If Vukčević is allowed to isolate Rubin’s defenders, he could exploit the space behind them and deliver dangerous crosses or cut inside to create chances. On the flip side, Rubin’s counter-attacks will rely heavily on the pace of Makarov and the precise passing of Noboa. The ability of IMT’s full-backs to track these runs will be critical in denying Rubin the space to exploit. Furthermore, the battle in the middle of the park between Jovanović and Noboa will determine how each side controls the tempo. Jovanović’s vision against Noboa’s tenacity will shape much of the match.
Another critical area will be set-pieces. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities in defending crosses and dead-ball situations, with Rubin particularly strong from set-pieces. If Rubin can win free kicks or corners in dangerous areas, IMT will need to be disciplined and organized to prevent goals from such situations.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Based on current form, tactical approaches, and player availability, this match is likely to be a cagey affair. IMT will dominate possession and try to break Rubin down with their quick, incisive passing, while Rubin will look to absorb pressure and hit on the break. The key for Rubin will be to remain compact and frustrate IMT’s attacking players, especially their wingers. However, with their attacking depth and home advantage, IMT should be able to break through Rubin’s defense eventually.
Prediction: IMT Novi Beograd 2-1 Rubin
Final Thoughts
This friendly match between IMT Novi Beograd and Rubin will be a fascinating tactical battle, with both teams looking to fine-tune their systems. IMT will look to press high and dominate possession, while Rubin will be content to soak up pressure and strike on the counter. The match will likely be decided by the ability of IMT’s wingers to break down Rubin’s defense and whether Rubin can exploit any defensive lapses through counter-attacks and set pieces. One key question that will be answered is whether Rubin’s defensive discipline can withstand the attacking waves of IMT, or if the Serbian side’s offensive potency will prove too much.
