KS Norwid Czestochowa - Indykpol AZS Olsztyn predictions and free betting tips [07/02/2024]

Turning our lens once again to the volleyball PlusLiga's 21st round of action, we have Norwid Częstochowa up against Olsztyn. The southern Polish club is a good way off from the leading eight, striving for a playoff spot in the Challenger Cup qualification group. As for the northern championship collective, they sit comfortably midpoint, but a slip against Norwid Częstochowa could see them tumble off course.

Norwid Częstochowa

Coach Lech Gudzjak's team is sliding dangerously close to the outsiders zone after a series of losses. While they may not spiral as far down as Czarni Radom, a losing streak can certainly send them back to the First League.

There were glimpses of good volleyball from Norwid Częstochowa in the previous match against Stal Nysa, but the latter maintained a confident lead throughout set 5 (15:9) and emerged victorious.

In terms of lineup, the southern Polish club can indeed rival their counterparts from Group 2 vying for the playoffs. Attacker Dawid Dulski consistently carries a significant point-load for his team. Norwid Częstochowa's blocking, courtesy of Bartosz Schmidt and Peter Hein, although not always spectacular, has made a valuable contribution. In defence, Thomas Kowalski and Rafal Sobanski have had commendable spells, even in unfamiliar positions.

The match against Olsztyn carries weight for Norwid Częstochowa in many ways. Besides hopeful prospects of breaking into the leading eight, it's high time they claimed a victory, especially considering their streak of five consecutive defeats. A home-win against Olsztyn would be a springboard for future successes

Olsztyn

The team under coach Javier Weber gets underestimated at times, but on other occasions, they're recipients of premature compliments. For instance, no one expected Skra Bełchatów to take such a drubbing (0:3) on their home ground from this northern Polish club. And most thought Olsztyn had the upper hand against Stal Nysa, but it was a (2:3) upset in favour of Daniel Pliński's team – opinions on who looked better during the match vary.

Such inconsistency could risk a playoffs berth in the leaders' group, but Weber's carefully handpicked calendar allows for a couple of challenging face-offs alongside several battles that Olsztyn ought to win.

Weber has a well-chosen lineup capable of achieving playoff qualification at the very least, and a plausible aspiration for a CEV Cup ticket. Standout performers for Olsztyn include the near-flawless defender Szymon Jakubiak and forward Alan Sousa, who has a strong case for joining a PlusLiga top club in the coming season.

Olsztyn is entering a phase of crucial matches requiring class-act wins over adversaries. The match against Norwid Częstochowa is one such venue to demonstrate their superior volleyball level, with the fact of it being an away game against a lower-half opponent holding little bearing.

Head-to-Head

In the first round, Olsztyn managed a hard-fought victory over Norwid Częstochowa (3:1), even though they entered as overwhelming favourites.

Match forecast: Norwid Częstochowa - Olsztyn

Olsztyn must rise to the occasion and secure a win over opponents of this level. I'll back the favourites here with a handicap of (-1.5) sets for the match.