The 25th round of the First League does not feature any real derby, but there are a few interesting match-ups that should provide hard fought encounters.
After the surprising road win against Rabotnichki, Bregalnica returns to Shtip to host Napredok. The Blues are fighting for fourth place on the table so a win will be imperative to get closer to Renova. On the other hand, Napredok has proven to be a tricky opponent on numerous occasions this season and are coming off a goalless draw against Vardar.
Vardar welcomes Ohrid to town as the visitors are going through a difficult period. Vardar is the heavy favorite to win the game as Ohrid has lost four consecutive games and the players remain unhappy with the club’s management. Vardar’s closest contenders, Metalurg and Shkendija, also shouldn’t have problems in their home matches against Teteks and Horizont Turnovo, respectively. However, football is not played on paper so we could see a surprise or two.
The toughest game to predict occurs in Kratovo where Sileks hosts Rabotnichki. Sileks is known for the good play at their own stadium as the club has only suffered two home defeats this season, while Rabotnichki is an unpredictable team due to their inconsistent play. They have one of the best squads on paper but continue to drop some points against lesser opposition. So, which Rabotnichki shows up will go a long way in deciding the outcome of this match.
In the remaining game of the round, Renova is expecting a comfortable home victory over last placed 11 Oktomvri who is pretty much relegated. The visitors may start to give more playing time to younger players in order for them to gain experience and get ready to contend for promotion next season when the club returns to the Second League.
Wednesday at 16.00 CET:
Gradski stadium in Shtip
Bregalnica Shtip vs. Napredok
Referee: Dejan Jakimovski (Skopje)
Gjorche Petrov stadium in Skopje
Vardar vs. Ohrid
Referee: Petar Mantev (Negotino)
Zhelezarnica stadium in Skopje
Metalurg vs. Teteks
Referee: Konstantin Vlaho (Skopje)
Gradski stadium in Tetovo
Renova vs. 11 Oktomvri
Referee: Aleksandar Angelov (Kochani)
Sileks stadium in Kratovo
Sileks vs. Rabotnichki
Referee: Zorancho Temelkov (Kavadarci)
Thursday at 16.00 CET:
Gradski stadium in Tetovo
Shkendija vs. Horizont Turnovo
Referee: Stevche Shuleski (Ohrid)