Tetovo-based Shkëndija are chasing their fourth consecutive victory in order to remain the only team with 100% success at the start of the new season. After two matches behind closed doors, the „red and blacks“ will finally welcome their 12th player in the stands. Quick winger Vane Krstevski is optimistic ahead of the upcoming clash against Struga Trim Lum.
„We are preparing step by step for Struga; we know that a tough duel awaits us and we have analysed the rival well. We started excellently with three victories and we hope to string together another one, which is only natural. I think our European appearances exhausted us a little. Now we are fully focused on the league and we hope to win the title this year, so that next summer we can be even better in Europe,“ said Vane Krstevski.
After serving their two-match ban without spectators due to the incidents in the cup, the Tetovo side will finally play in a genuine football atmosphere.
„It is a great advantage and privilege to play under the floodlights. The weather is quite hot and it is difficult to play in such conditions. We missed our fans in the previous matches, but we hope that from tomorrow’s duel we will have their support and everything will be easier,“ Krstevski added.
Shkëndija will be without goalkeeper Babucar Gaye, Rafael Freitas, Marko Gjorgjievski and Bojan Dimoski for this match, while Anes Meliqi is still suspended following his red card. Central defender Jovan Manev returns to the squad.
The derby will be played at the „Petar Miloshevski“ Training Centre, kicking off at 19:00, with Stojanche Trpchevski appointed as the match referee.
