Season goes on – MZT host FMP in Round 20 opener in Skopje
In the opening match of the AdmiralBet ABA League Round 20, MZT Skopje Aerodrom will be hosting FMP Soccerbet at home in their Jane Sandanski Arena in Skopje.
Aleksa Stepanovic (Photo: FMP Meridian)
AdmiralBet ABA League Round 20, Friday, 3 March 2023:
MZT SKOPJE AERODROM – FMP SOCCERBET
Where? Jane Sandanski Arena, Skopje
When? 18:00
Story of the game: In the opening match of the AdmiralBet ABA League Round 20, MZT Skopje Aerodrom will be hosting FMP Soccerbet at home in their Jane Sandanski Arena in Skopje.
It’s an important game for both sides as they have plenty to fight for, as the Regular Season approaches its final stage. MZT Skopje Aerodrom, with a record of 3:16, are currently occupying the last place in the standings and they need to start winning again in order to avoid relegation to the NLB ABA League 2. On the other side, FMP Soccerbet are currently the 5th placed team with a record of 12:7, holding one win less than both the third-placed Budućnost VOLI and fourth-placed Cedevita Olimpija and they will for sure do everything they can in order to improve a place or two in the standings, in order to secure themselves the home court advantage in the Playoffs, in case they qualify for the Top 8.
Currently, both of the two squads have only one goal on their minds – to win this important game and return to the winning path. MZT Skopje Aerodrom have been defeated last round after beating Cedevita Olimpija in Round 18. On the other side, FMP Soccerbet have suffered three defeats in a row.
When taking a look at the history of the clashes of these two squads, we find out that MZT Skopje Aerodrom have beaten FMP Soccerbet only once before, in 6 encounters played so far. However, when facing each other in Skopje, each of the two squads have prevailed once.
How will it end this time?
Match-up in focus: Probably the most interesting match-up of the clash will be the one between Keandre Cook of MZT Skopje Aerodrom and Paulius Valinskas of FMP Soccerbet. While Cook is currently the top scorer of MZT, averaging 14.3 points per game, Valinskas is the second-leading scorer of FMP with an average of 14.6, behind only newcomer Charles Moore, who has only played on game for the Panthers so far. It is not impossible that the one that wins this head-to-head battle of the sharp-shooters would also be able to lead his team to the new win.
Head-to-head score in the regional league: In total 1:4; In Skopje 1:1.
