MATCH PREVIEWS

Red Star Belgrade vs PSV: European Clash Under the Lights

PSV make the trip to the Rajko Mitić Stadium for a high-stakes showdown against Red Star Belgrade. This January clash has all the ingredients for a European classic, with both sides eyeing progress and a statement victory.

Key Stats to Know

Red Star’s Home Fortress: The Serbian giants have been formidable at home, racking up five wins, one draw, and a single loss in their last seven matches. They are lethal in attack, averaging 3.86 goals per game (xG: 1.0), but their defence tells a different story, conceding 1.86 goals per game from an xG of 2.0. Cherif Ndiaye is the danger man with 14 goals this season, and he'll be hoping to exploit PSV’s defensive vulnerabilities.

PSV’s Mixed Travels: The Dutch side’s away form has been a rollercoaster, with two wins and four losses in their last six outings. They have been fairly efficient in front of goal, scoring 1.83 goals per match (xG: 2.02), but their defence is showing cracks, conceding 1.67 goals per game (xG: 1.32). The absence of key players like Sergiño Dest, Malik Tillman, and Isaac Babadi could test their depth, but Ricardo Pepi, with 15 goals this season, remains a beacon of hope up front.

Betting Suggestions

Considering their attacking firepower and Red Star's defensive frailties, PSV to win 2-1 at 8.25 looks tempting. On the other hand, with both teams prone to defensive lapses, the odds of 1.52 for the game not to involve a penalty seem unusually high and may be worth a punt.

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AZ vs Roma: Europa League Showdown Under the Lights

AZ welcome Roma to the AFAS Stadion for a Europa League clash that could prove decisive for both sides. With the hosts enjoying a strong run at home and Roma struggling on the road, the Dutch side will see this as a golden opportunity to make a statement.

Key Stats to Know

AZ’s Home Comforts: The Eredivisie side have been rock-solid at home, picking up six wins, two draws, and just one loss in their last nine outings. Offensively, they’re delivering 1.78 goals per game (xG: 1.87), and defensively, they’ve been tough to break down, conceding just 0.89 per match (xG: 1.23). Troy Parrott has been the standout performer, with 11 goals this season, but injuries to key players like Ruben van Bommel and Ibrahim Sadiq could make things tricky.

Roma’s Travel Woes: The Serie A giants have struggled away from home, failing to win any of their last seven road matches, with four draws and three losses. Their attack has been underwhelming, producing 1.14 goals per game (xG: 1.3), while their defence has been shaky, conceding 1.71 goals per match (xG: 1.96). Missing Bryan Cristante won’t help matters, but Artem Dovbyk remains their biggest threat, netting 11 times this season, including five in his last five appearances.

Betting Suggestions

With Roma’s poor away form and AZ’s solid home record, a 2-1 win for the hosts at 10.0 looks like a value bet. If you fancy goals, over 2.5 and both teams to score at 1.99 feels like a solid shout, given AZ’s attacking efficiency and Roma’s defensive struggles.

This game is available via our partner Booms Bet. Click here.

WTF?

Scottish Soccer Fan's "Cheeky" Penalty Distraction Fails Spectacularly

The Scottish Cup brought peak chaos energy this weekend when a Broxburn Athletic fan decided to get behind his team in the most literal way possible. During a crucial penalty kick against Ayr United, one particularly committed supporter dropped his trousers and flashed his bare backside at the penalty taker in a desperate (and chilly) attempt at distraction.

How'd that work out? About as well as you'd expect. Ayr United's Jay Henderson not only buried the penalty but went on to score a hat-trick in an 8-0 demolition. Talk about turning the other cheek.

Between the lines: While some fans are calling it the "Broxburn Backside" – a creative alternative to the famous Poznan celebration – we're thinking this particular tradition might not catch on during those cold Scottish winters.

Bottom line: Broxburn may have crashed out of the Scottish Cup, but at least one fan ensured they'd leave a lasting... impression. Just another day in Scottish football, where even an 8-0 defeat can still produce a memorable moment for all the wrong reasons. 🎯

DID YOU KNOW?

The 8-Second Goal That No One Saw

Back in 1982, Koos Waslander of NAC Breda pulled off the soccer equivalent of a mic drop, scoring just eight seconds into a match against PEC Zwolle. The wild part? Not a single camera caught what would become the fastest goal in Eredivisie history.

Picture this: kickoff, three quick touches, one confused goalkeeper and an empty net. Waslander basically turned the opposing defence's morning coffee break into a highlight reel (that, again, doesn't actually exist).

The play-by-play:

• Teammate kicks off to Waslander

• Ball goes back to Lokhoff

• Lokhoff launches it forward

• Two defenders have an "oh no" moment

• Keeper comes out

• Waslander says, "thanks for the gift"

Plot twist: This ghost goal stood as the record for 40 years until 2022 when Sparta Rotterdam's Vito van Crooij matched the 8-second sprint to glory against AZ Alkmaar. At least this time, someone remembered to bring a camera.

Bottom line: Sometimes, the most legendary moments in football become part of our collective memory without a single frame of footage. Just ask anyone who claims they were there that day at NAC. Suddenly, the stadium seems to have held 100,000 people. 🏃‍♂️

MEME OF THE DAY

Probably not, but you tell me Liverpool fans aren’t fearing the worst.

WHO WILL WIN?