Match preview: Petrovac defend home patch with edge over Bokelj
Petrovac welcome Bokelj to Stadion pod Malim brdom on December 10 in what promises to be a tactically tense First League clash. The home side sit fifth with 25 points from 18 games and arrive in mixed form but buoyed by a recent 2-1 victory over Budućnost. Petrovac’s home numbers tell the clearest story: 15 goals scored and only five conceded at home, a profile that suggests solidity on their own turf. Bokelj, occupying ninth with 18 points, have shown flashes on the road but carry vulnerabilities — 14 goals conceded away this season and a head-to-head blemish to atone for after losing 1-2 to Petrovac earlier in the campaign.
How both teams shape up statistically
Numbers underline a clash between a team that defends well at home and an away side that oscillates between resilience and leakage. Petrovac have recorded four clean sheets at home and their matches on their ground have a relatively low BTTS rate of 36.36%, indicating games that often tilt toward a single side or a low-scoring resolution. Bokelj’s away BTTS sits even lower at 33.33%, reinforcing the expectation of tight, low-goal encounters when they travel. While Bokelj can be dangerous — their recent run includes wins and draws and they showed they can score away when needed — their away concession rate and the prior loss to Petrovac point to a difficult assignment on December 10.
Both sides bring contrasting attacking rhythms: Petrovac averages 13.33 shots per game with 112 on target across the campaign, while Bokelj generate fewer attempts overall. Petrovac’s home defensive record (only five conceded) cannot be overlooked; it suggests they are adept at policing their area, forcing visitors into sterile possession rather than clear-cut opportunities.
What to expect on the day
Expect a disciplined Petrovac approach, leveraging home familiarity and a compact defensive shape to smother Bokelj’s forward forays. Bokelj will likely look to counter and exploit transitions, but the statistical balance leans toward a home side finding enough quality to grind out a result. Given the pair’s low BTTS metrics in the relevant venues and the previous 2-1 result in Petrovac’s favour earlier this season, the script most likely reads as a narrow home victory or a low-scoring draw if Bokelj can withstand early pressure.
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Betting suggestion: 1X2 — Petrovac to win. The home team’s superior home defensive record, previous head-to-head victory, and clearer attacking volume make the home win the most grounded single-market play.