Bosnian big guns prone to misfire

Promoted NK Travnik and FK Laktaši are looking to get established in the Bosnia-Herzegovnian top tier while some leading sides are still in Europe.

European contenders
Reigning champions FK Sarajevo and last season's runners-up NK Zrinjski have both had games postponed to help them compete in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup respectively, and the policy has borne some fruit. Sarajevo are 1-0 down after the first leg of their third qualifying round tie against FC Dynamo Kyiv while Zrinjski drew 0-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie against FK Rabotnicki of F.Y.R. Macedonia.

Slavija disappoint
With those two big guns out of action, FK Slavija Sarajevo might have hoped to be one of the sides who took an early grip on the nascent Premijer Liga table, but they were to be sorely disappointed. They have picked up just one point from their opening three games, with a 0-0 draw at home against promoted Laktaši being followed by defeats against NK Jedinstvo and NK Čelik. That home defeat prompted coach Milomir Odović's resignation.

Željezničar sluggish
NK Željezničar might also have fancied themselves as front runners, but it took them three games to pick up their first points of the season, winning 3-0 against FK Leotar in their first home match of the campaign following defeats at NK Žepče and NK Orašje. With fans expecting a title challenge this season, their form on the road will need to improve.

Newcomers' ambition
Although they have won just one game this season, beating fellow newcomers Travnik 3-1, Premijer Liga debutants Laktaši have shown that they have the ability to compete. "It will be tough but we will try to keep our place in the company of the best teams," said coach Vlado Jagodić. Defeat at Laktaši was a disappointment for Travnik, but they have won both of their other games, beating FK Sloboda Tuzla and Jedinstvo. "We made a good start, and wish to play a significant role in this season," said coach Kemal Hafizović "We will fight for a place towards the top of the table."

Orašje change
Finally, Orašje started the season with a new coach with Pavle Strugačevac taking over from Ivo Knežević. Thus far, the new coach has picked up three points, with that 1-0 home win against Željezničar being sandwiched between 4-1 defeats at Sarajevo and FK Modriča.