Serbia and Ireland failed to qualify in the upcoming EURO. Now they have to leave the disappointment behind and move on to focus on the next qualifiers. Being included in group A with Portugal, Azerbaijan and Luxemburg, both sides are likely to compete for the play off spot since Cristiano Ronaldo and Co are surely the favourite leader on the top.
Both teams’ latest news
Serbia under their new boss, Dragan Stojkovic, determined to name several youngster to make their senior debut. There are Valencia’s Uros Racic, Basel’s Dorde Nikolic, Verona man Ivan Illic, Milan Gajic of Red Star Belgrade and Dorde Despotovic. Some senior names, however, have been crossed out for the current squad such as Alexander Kolarov and Adam Llajic.
Ireland are set to lose Caoimhin Kelleher, Kevin Long, Conor Hourihane and Callum O’Dowda due to their injury. Thus, Stephen Kenny decided to call up two debutantes, Gavin Bazuhnu of Rochdale and West Ham youngster, Conor Coventry.
Possible tactics
Dragan Stojkovic is believed to be in favor of 3-4-1-2. Luka Jovic and Fiorentina man Dusan Vlahovic as the duo frontman supported by Ajax man Dusan Tadic. On both flanks, Frankfurt winger Filip Kostic and Darko Lazovic will be operating the area to provide long crosses and shots.
Meanwhile, Stephen Kenny is likely to deploy 4-4-1-1 or 4-5-1 formation. Shane Long is featuring as the targetman while Robbie Brady and James McClean, Jeff Hendrick will be supporting from the second line.
Players to watch
Lazio midfielder, Sergej-Milenkovic Savic is the anchorman for their attack. He has earned 20 caps and scored 3 goals. Another key man to watch is Dusan Tadic who has made 73 appearances and netted 13 goals.
Ireland is counting on Burnley man Robbie Brady and his former teammate who moved to Newcastle United, Jeff Hendrick. They were notable figures in Ireland in EURO 2016. Another vital name to watch is Everton wing back, Seamus Coleman.
Serbia vs Ireland Predictions
Serbia is looking for a positive fresh start for their world cup campaign under the new boss. Dusan Tadic and Co have the ability for it, considering the better squad compared to The Green Boys. A win for the home side is very likely here since Ireland have been unable to win under Stephen Kenny’s reign.
Betting Odds
Dragan Stojkovic’s men seem to be the slight favorite here. They are projected to win at 9/13 while Robbie Brady and Co are in the win market at 11/2. The draw result is at the value of 35/13.
