Getafe aim to protect first-leg lead as Partizan prepare for Belgrade test

Getafe take a 3-1 advantage into their Conference League play-off second leg against FK Partizan Belgrade on Thursday, 27 August, but will be wary of the Serbian side’s strong home record. The match in Belgrade is scheduled to begin at 19:00 GMT, with Partizan needing a significant response in front of their own supporters to overturn the deficit.

The Spanish club won the first leg 3-1 and now have the advantage as they attempt to secure progress in the competition. However, Partizan are regarded as a formidable opponent at home and will be expected to start aggressively as they look for an early goal.

Partizan are likely to line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Their expected team is built around a settled group of players, with the home side relying on established partnerships and tactical understanding to apply pressure from the opening whistle.

Marko Milosevic is expected to start in goal, behind a defence of Nikola Simic, Stefan Mitrovic, Stefan Milic and Vukasin Đurđevic.

The midfield is likely to include Iddrisu Baba, Ognjen Ugresic, Chaka Traore, Milan Vukotic and Ibrahim Zubairu, with Demba Seck named as the probable lone striker.

That system would allow Partizan to commit numbers forward while retaining two deeper midfielders to help maintain balance. With the support of the home crowd, the Serbian club will hope to unsettle Getafe early and develop the momentum needed for a comeback.

Getafe, meanwhile, are expected to adopt a more cautious approach as they seek to manage their two-goal advantage. Their head coach will be without Christantus Uche, who has been ruled out of the trip to Belgrade.

The visitors are predicted to use a compact 3-5-2 formation designed to strengthen the centre of the pitch, provide protection in the wide areas and give them an outlet on the counter-attack. Two forwards are expected to lead the line as Getafe attempt to control the tie rather than chase the game.

David Soria is the probable goalkeeper, with Djene Dakonam, Zaid Romero and Abdel Abqar set to form the back three.

Kiko Femenia and Johan Mojica are expected to operate from the flanks, while Orel Mangala, Ramon Terrats and Francho Serrano are likely to make up the midfield. Enes Unal and Martin Satriano are the predicted attacking partnership.

The contrasting approaches could make for a tense second leg, with Partizan expected to take the initiative and Getafe looking to absorb pressure before exploiting spaces on the break. The Spanish side’s 3-1 lead gives them room to play for a result, while Partizan must find a way to score without leaving themselves too exposed defensively.

Ahead of the Conference League play-off return, betting company 1xBet lists Partizan Belgrade at 3.15 to win the match. A draw is priced at 3.10, while Getafe are rated at 2.10 to claim victory.