Red Star Belgrade Reserves Abu Fani and Arnautovic for Crucial Clash Against Hapoel Be'er Sheva

Red Star Belgrade faces a critical home match against Hapoel Be'er Sheva on Tuesday at 21:00, aiming to overturn a 1-0 first-leg loss in Hungary and advance to the UEFA Champions League playoff round. The Serbian club described their previous defeat as their worst performance since the season began and expects strong fan support at the Marakana stadium to help secure victory. The winner will face the victor of the Aarhus (Denmark) versus Sabah (Azerbaijan) tie, while the loser will enter the Europa League playoff against Czech side Viktoria Plzen.

Israeli international midfielder Mohammed Abu Fani, who was substituted at halftime last week, is expected to return to coach Dejan Stankovic's starting lineup. Abu Fani recently played 17 minutes as a substitute in a 2-0 league win over Novi Pazar. His competition for a midfield spot, Timmy Max Elsnik, who played the full match last weekend, is likely to start on the bench. Forward Mohammed Cham is also competing for a starting position against Vasilije Kostov.

A key development is the anticipated debut of Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic, who has not played in the league this season but is the highest-paid player in the club's history. Arnautovic is expected to start upfront, possibly replacing Brazilian Bruno Duarte or captain Mirko Ivanic. Serbian media highlighted that both Arnautovic and Abu Fani have been "saved for the moment of truth," emphasizing the importance of their contributions in this decisive match.

Coach Stankovic declined to reveal the full lineup during the pre-match press conference, except confirming that Derrick Luckassen will start. He praised Luckassen's value and commitment, stating, "I would stand behind my players a million times." The projected starting eleven includes Mateus, Saul Jung-Woo, Derrick Luckassen, Strahinja Arakovic, Nair Tiknizian, Rade Krunic, Mohammed Abu Fani, Vasilije Kostov, Osman Bukari, Bruno Duarte (or Mirko Ivanic), and Marko Arnautovic.