Serbia and Republic of Ireland will both be looking to start their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a win when they meet at Stadion Rajko Mitic in Belgrade on Wednesday night.
Second place in the group will likely be taken by one of these two nations, with Portugal, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan making up the remainder of Group A.
Serbia vs Ireland Latest Odds
The hosts have won only one of their last 11 matches inside 90 minutes but bet365 make them 8/13 (1.63) to open up their campaign with victory.
Ireland had a miserable 2020 which saw them fail to win any of their eight international matches and are out at 5/1 (6.0) to pick up three potentially vital points here.
It was a 2-2 draw when these nations last met in Serbia and another draw is available at 5/2 (3.50).
Serbia vs Ireland Team News
Serbia appointed Dragan Stojkovic as coach at the start of the month and, with no injury worries, was able to select his strongest squad.
Stephen Kenny is without injured goalkeepers Caoimhin Kelleher and Darren Randolph, whilst James McCarthy, John Egan, Conor Hourihane, Callum O’Dowda and Kevin Long are all out as well.
Serbia vs Ireland Preview
Although Serbia did not have the greatest 2020, winning just once and most notably losing to Scotland in the Euro 2020 play-off final, they should have enough to see off Ireland here.
Indeed, the Boys in Green lost five of their eight games last year and scored just one goal despite playing some fairly modest opposition, with that lone strike coming in the 90th minute in a 1-1 draw against Bulgaria.
They will no doubt have their work cut out against a Serbia side that conceded more than once in only one of their last seven competitive fixtures, keeping a clean sheet in two of their most recent four at home.
Serbia vs Ireland Tips and Predictions
With Ireland looking completely out-of-sorts in the final third, backing Serbia to keep a clean sheet at 5/6 (1.83) with bet365 offers decent value for this World Cup qualifier in Belgrade.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Serbia to keep a clean sheet at 5/6 (1.83) for a 2pt stake with bet365
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