Recap
Velež Mostar have not played a competitive match at home since May 21, when they suffered a 2:3 defeat to Sarajevo. Almost four months later, a great deal has changed around the club and they now face a difficult situation after a turbulent summer.
As many as 11 players have left the club, while several new faces have arrived. Velež have also dealt with sanctions, changes within the coaching staff, European commitments and the beginning of a new domestic campaign. The transition has clearly affected their performances, as they have offered very little in their opening two league matches.
They lost 3:1 away to Borac in Banja Luka before suffering another defeat against newly promoted BSK, going down 2:0 in Krupa. As a result, Velež have started the season with zero points and a 1:5 goal difference.
The squad is still undergoing changes. During the past week, Velež brought in Moonga Simba and Birsen Leković, but simultaneously lost Armin Spahić, who started both of their opening league matches. There are also further selection problems at the back. Mohamed Abdallah (2/0) was sent off after just 25 minutes against BSK, leaving coach Rahimić with another problem to solve, particularly at right-back.
The overall picture is therefore one of a team still trying to find its identity after a major squad overhaul and several months of instability. Velež need time to integrate the new players, establish the coach’s ideas and regain confidence.
Sloga come into the match with considerably more confidence after earning an impressive point away to Široki Brijeg. They showed they can compete in difficult away environments and should have enough organization to make life uncomfortable for a Velež side that is still searching for stability.
Velež will undoubtedly be motivated to finally get their first points of the season, especially in their long-awaited return to home action. However, given their current form, defensive problems and constant changes within the squad, I believe Sloga have a realistic chance of taking something from this match.