Zaglebie Sosnowiec vs Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala on 24 January
On January 24th, Zaglebie Sosnowiec and Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala will face off in a highly anticipated friendly clash that promises to showcase tactical nuances and individual brilliance. While friendly matches often lack the immediate pressure of league play, both teams will look to use this encounter as a springboard for refining their systems and momentum. For Zaglebie Sosnowiec, it's about securing confidence ahead of the season's key fixtures, while Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala will be hoping to fine-tune their approach and build consistency. Both sides are equally hungry for a morale-boosting performance, and this match offers them a golden opportunity to test their mettle against a fellow Polish club.
Zaglebie Sosnowiec: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Zaglebie Sosnowiec enters this friendly with a mixed but steady run of form. Over the past five matches, they have secured two wins, two losses, and one draw, suggesting inconsistency but also flashes of quality. They typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on a solid defensive base with two holding midfielders who shield the backline and dictate play from deep. They focus heavily on possession and building from the back, utilizing their full-backs to stretch the opposition’s defense and create width. Their ability to control the tempo of the match will be key in this encounter, as they will look to exploit Podbeskidzie’s potential vulnerabilities in the middle third of the pitch.
Key players for Zaglebie Sosnowiec include their captain and central midfielder, who has proven instrumental in transitioning play from defense to attack. His passing accuracy stands at an impressive 86% this season, and he leads the team in tackles per game with 2.5. His ability to break up opposition attacks and link up with the forward line will be crucial. Another standout is their top scorer, a clinical forward who thrives in wide areas but also drifts inside to create scoring chances. If he finds his rhythm, he could be a real danger for Podbeskidzie’s defense.
However, Zaglebie Sosnowiec will be without their key right-back, who has been sidelined due to injury. This will force a tactical reshuffle, with their backup likely filling in. How they adjust their defensive setup without him could determine whether they can maintain their shape or get exposed in wide areas.
Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala will be looking to use this match to find rhythm after a difficult period in their domestic campaign. Their last five games have seen them secure just one win, with two losses and two draws, showing signs of a squad that has struggled with consistency. They prefer a more direct style of play, often opting for quick transitions and utilizing a 4-4-2 formation. Their game revolves around exploiting the wide areas with pace, while their two central strikers are typically tasked with stretching the opposition’s defense and making runs into the channels.
One player to watch is their star winger, who is central to their counter-attacking style. With an average of 3.2 key passes per game, his creativity in the final third will be pivotal in breaking down Zaglebie’s defensive shape. Alongside him, their towering striker will be a constant aerial threat, winning 3.4 aerial duels per match and playing a key role in both defensive and attacking set pieces.
However, Podbeskidzie will also face challenges as their primary defensive midfielder is suspended for this match due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His absence will leave a significant gap in the midfield, forcing Podbeskidzie to play a more open, less compact game. This could be a tactical disadvantage against a team like Zaglebie Sosnowiec, who prefers to dominate possession in the middle of the pitch.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In recent encounters, Zaglebie Sosnowiec has had the upper hand, winning three of the last five matchups, with Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala managing just one victory and one draw. The most recent clash in October 2025 ended in a 2-1 win for Zaglebie, a result that highlighted the tactical gulf in midfield, with Zaglebie’s central players dictating much of the play. Historically, Zaglebie has been able to neutralize Podbeskidzie’s aerial threat, something that will be crucial in this upcoming friendly. That said, Podbeskidzie has occasionally found success when exploiting Zaglebie’s defensive frailties in transition, so Zaglebie must remain alert to their counter-attacks.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most critical battles will be in the midfield, particularly between Zaglebie Sosnowiec’s central midfielder and Podbeskidzie’s defensive pairing. If Zaglebie’s playmaker can dominate possession, it will allow them to control the tempo and neutralize Podbeskidzie’s counters. However, if Podbeskidzie can disrupt Zaglebie’s passing game, especially through aggressive pressing, they will have a chance to stifle Zaglebie’s rhythm.
Another key area will be Zaglebie’s right flank, given the injury to their starting right-back. Podbeskidzie’s wingers will likely target this weakness, looking to exploit space with pace and crosses into the box. Zaglebie’s central defenders will have to be on high alert, particularly when dealing with Podbeskidzie’s aerial threat. The outcome of these individual duels will likely determine which team has the upper hand in the final third.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given both teams’ playing styles, we can expect an open match with fluctuating phases of possession. Zaglebie Sosnowiec will likely enjoy the majority of the ball, focusing on controlled build-up play, while Podbeskidzie will look to hit them on the break. Zaglebie’s midfield control will be key to keeping the tempo in their favor, but the absence of their key right-back could leave gaps that Podbeskidzie will look to exploit through quick counters.
Given the tactical context and the current form of both teams, Zaglebie Sosnowiec looks to have the upper hand, particularly with their stronger midfield. However, Podbeskidzie’s direct style could cause problems on the break. The most likely scenario is a tight encounter, with Zaglebie edging out a 2-1 win. Expect a high number of corners for both teams, as Zaglebie will look to press Podbeskidzie into their defensive third, and Podbeskidzie will be relying on set pieces to make an impact.
Final Thoughts
This friendly clash will offer both teams a valuable opportunity to sharpen their tactical approaches. Zaglebie Sosnowiec’s ability to control possession will be pivotal, but they will need to be wary of Podbeskidzie’s counters. The match will answer crucial questions about Zaglebie’s ability to adapt defensively in the absence of their full-back and whether Podbeskidzie can overcome their midfield woes without their suspended enforcer. Both teams will be highly motivated to secure a win, but it’s Zaglebie’s greater tactical cohesion that may just see them through.
