Montenegro's date with destiny

The inaugural Montenegrin title could be won and lost as early as 7 April when leaders FK Budućnost face second-placed FK Zeta in the big match in Podgorica.

Third and final meeting
After the last set of games from the second round of fixtures, on 31 March/1 April, the top two sides will meet for a third and final time this season on 7 April. "It is crucial that we are at home," said Budućnost coach Branislav Milačić. "It is also good for Montenegrin football, because the stadium will be full."

Title initiative
Although there will be ten more matches after the Podgorica showdown, Milačić conceded that any winner next weekend would have the initiative in the championship race. "The victor will have a huge psychological advantage, but nothing will be decided," he said. "Both teams have a lot of tough games left."

Sloppy form
Having lasted the first half of the season unbeaten, Budućnost slipped up in their first spring assignment, losing 1-0 at FK Mogren. Their form in their subsequent two matches has been patchy too, but Golubovci-based Zeta have experienced similar problems since the turn of the year. "I knew we would have difficulties," said Zeta coach Dejan Vukićević. "We have had injuries and our best two strikers, Žoran Korać and Slaven Stjepanović, are not fully fit, yet we are making progress and I think we can overcome Budućnost in the title race."

Strongest side
His men may have been underperforming, but the fact Budućnost are still able to field their strongest team represents a major plus as far as Milačić is concerned. "The good thing is that we don't have injury worries, because I think we have more quality players than Zeta," he said. Zeta, however, remain in contention in the Montenegrin Cup, which for Vukićević, is further proof of their prowess in the run-up to 7 April. "We have a good chance to win the Montenegrin Cup so I am happy with how things are going," he said. "We are ready for an exciting end to the season."