sports
February 21, 2026
Partizan's squad for the 178th Eternal Derby: A maturity test for the team, Stojaković at the helm with two lineup variations
Tradition is not on Partizan's side, grimly reminding that the black and whites have not won on their eternal rival's field for seven full years, or for 12 consecutive matches in the Serbian championship and Cup. However, no one believed in David when he stood before Goliath and shot a stone from his slingshot straight into the giant's forehead, sending the behemoth to the ground, and then finishing him off. Ahead of the 178th Eternal Derby (Sunday, 5:00 PM, Arena Sport Premium 1), Partizan players hope for a similar outcome, as they themselves say, everyone has written them off in advance, predicting they will be crushed and run over. But still, despite all the adversities plaguing the entire club, they resist surrender and believe in a feat that will keep them in the championship race.
TL;DR
- Partizan has not won against their eternal rival in seven years, with a 12-match winless streak in league and cup matches.
- Coach Nenad Stojaković is considering two different lineup variations for the upcoming derby.
- Experimental defensive tactics are being tested, including shifting players like Nikola Simić to midfield.
- Potential lineup changes involve Milan Roganović at right-back, Stefan Milić and Stefan Mitrović in central defense, and a debut for Stefan Petrović at left-back in one scenario.
- Another possibility involves a defense built with three center-backs (Milić, Simić, Mitrović) and Roganović possibly playing at left-back due to player shortages.
- Midfield stability is expected from Saša Zdjelar and Vanja Dragojević, with wingers Demba Sek and Milan Vukotić, and Andrej Kostić as the likely striker.
- This derby is considered a significant test for the team and coach Stojaković, and could be decisive in the championship race.
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