IMT vs Zemun: prediction and odds

The Belgrade derby in the second round of the SuperLiga promises to be a true test of strength for both sides. Pragmatic and stubborn IMT Novi Beograd is setting a trap for the audacious newcomer to the elite, who pulled off an incredible feat in the first round. Will the emotional drive of the visitors crack the hosts’ well-drilled defense, or will experience take center stage?

Tactical Analysis: IMT Novi Beograd

The hosts started the new season successfully, securing a crucial away victory over Čukarički with a 1:0 scoreline. This pragmatic success was a logical continuation of the strong form the team displayed at the end of last season. In the 2025/26 championship, IMT Novi Beograd won the relegation group, confidently finishing in ninth place with 50 points (13 wins, 11 draws, 13 losses, and a goal difference of 41:51). Over the summer, the team played a series of useful friendly matches, securing a notable win over Maccabi Tel Aviv (1:0) but falling to Akhmat Grozny (0:1) and Mladost (0:1). IMT is renowned for its iron game discipline, high compactness in mid-blocks, ability to endure pressure, and striking opponents with swift counterattacks. At home, the club plays with extreme focus and uncompromising intent, consistently taking points even from more illustrious league representatives.

Tactical Analysis: Zemun

The visitors returned to the top flight after a triumphant season in the First League, where they deservedly finished first with 70 points from 35 matches (20 wins, 10 draws, 5 losses, and a goal difference of 55:33). Their long-awaited return to the elite turned into a real football thriller: in the first round, Zemun drew 2:2 at home against Belgrade’s Partizan, showing incredible character, willpower, and resilience. In summer friendlies, the team also looked respectable, beating Radnik Bijeljina (1:0) and playing a high-scoring draw with Željezničar (3:3). Zemun preaches bold, attacking, and emotional football with an emphasis on vertical passes. However, adapting to the higher speeds and level of competition in the SuperLiga still requires time, especially when organizing defensive actions against more cohesive and experienced teams.

Tournament Motivation

IMT Novi Beograd aims for a second consecutive win to solidify their place in the upper part of the table from the very first rounds. Zemun is burning with desire to prove that the draw with Partizan was no fluke and to secure their first three points in an away fixture.

Squad Situation

At IMT Novi Beograd, the defensive line looks very stable after a clean-sheet victory over Čukarički. The main transfer news is the return of a large group of players from loans (including Abiodun, Koli, and Mitić), while the notable departure is Evtić leaving as a free agent. At Zemun, there were no major cash sales recorded: the club had a modest transfer window, strengthening with free-agent players including Spremo, Kostić, and Ljubomirac, while the team was left by free agents Rošević and Milošev.

Predicted Lineups

IMT Novi Beograd: (4-2-3-1) – Gordić; Belić, Radošević, Popović, Stojanović; Božić, Jovanović; Lukić, Milinković, Petrović; Đorđević.

Zemun: (4-3-3) – Marković; Ilić, Vuković, Simić, Pavlović; Todorović, Stanković, Janković; Nikolić, Jović, Kostić.

Referee

The match will be officiated by referee Milan Stefanović. He is known for allowing a physical game and rarely showing cards early, which could favor the hosts’ aggressive defensive style.

Prediction and Bet

Main Prediction: IMT Novi Beograd to win at odds of 1.73

Experience in the SuperLiga and the home-field advantage give IMT Novi Beograd a significant edge. The hosts are pragmatic, have built an excellent defensive structure, and know how to exploit the mistakes of league newcomers. Zemun expended too much emotion and energy in the first round and will likely struggle to maintain the same pace away from home. The pick is a home win at odds of 1.73. The probability of this outcome is estimated at 58% (at odds of 1.73, the value is high).

Prediction on Total Goals: Under 2.5 goals at odds of 1.75

We expect an exceptionally tight contest with a pronounced focus on positional control. The hosts will set up a low defensive block, closing off the spaces between the defensive and midfield lines, which will limit the visitors’ fast-paced attack. IMT’s statistical trends show that in 8 of their last 10 home league matches, the total goals were under 2.5, and the average number of dangerous chances created per game was only 0.85 xG. The pick is under 2.5 goals at odds of 1.75. The probability of this outcome is estimated at 60% (the odds offer excellent value).