Zelenika Pančevo has a relatively balanced performance in both offense and defense this season, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in 6 league games, scoring 9 goals and conceding 7. However, the team's recent form has been fluctuating. They lost 0 - 2 to Novi Pazar away from home in the last round, failing to maintain the offensive firepower shown in a 5 - 1 home win against Sudulica.
Playing at home is Zelenika's advantage. Last season, their home - defense statistics ranked among the top in the Serbian SuperLiga, so their home - field resilience is reliable.
Nonetheless, the team is facing a serious reduction in the defensive line. The starting left - back Adem Avdić is suspended, the center - back R. Soza is out injured, and the midfielder Marko Kurik is sidelined for a long time with a torn collateral ligament. Reorganizing the defense is imperative.
Head coach Kokošević admitted before the game that the team is still looking for the balance between offense and defense. "Defense is the foundation of everything for us, but it will take time for the new signings to integrate."