Prediction: Serbia vs Montenegro

Verdict: Serbia to Win to Nil

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker:  bet365

History will be written in Belgrade on Saturday night as Serbia take on Montenegro is only the second fixture ever between the two nations that not long ago shared the same national team. Both sides will have plenty to play in this potentially crucial UEFA Nations League encounter which could see Serbia clinch promotion.  

Serbia

Without a defeat in four matches, Serbia have thus far been quite impressive in their UEFA Nations League run. Sitting top of League C Group B with eight points to their name, Mladen Krstajic’s men will want to grab the opportunity basking in front of them.

The first-placed Serbia have a great chance to clinch UEFA Nations League promotions with one game to spare if they beat Montenegro on Saturday afternoon. The tournament came as a great consolation for the Eagles following what’s been a wholeheartedly disappointing World Cup campaign in Russia. Serbia were eliminated in the group stages with Brazil and Switzerland moving forward and the feeling remains this talented group of men has much more about them than what was on display in Russia. Led by some of the highly notable footballers playing for Europe’s top clubs – such as Nemanja Matic (Manchester United), Aleksandar Kolarov (AS Roma), Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio) or battering ram Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham) – Serbia simply need to find the way to harness all the individual power and talent.

Team News

One of Europe’s most wanted midfielders Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been ruled out with injury, whereas the Serbia goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic who is suffering abdominal problems.

Danijel Aleksic and Nikola Vasiljevic have been called up to fill in for the absentees, whereas Ljubomir Fejsa and Filip Kostic will be given a late fitness test ahead of the game.

Montenegro

Sitting in second with only one point behind table-toppers Serbia, the Montenegro national team is refusing to give up the fight.

With six points still in play, Montenegro could possibly hope to overtake Serbia and the first step in doing so will be to beat the Eagles in their own nest. It will be easier said than done knowing that Montenegro have already suffered a clean-cut home defeat at the hands of Serbia who boast a more quality and a more experienced side, to begin with. The October loss was the only defeat for Montenegro thus far in the group stage and that’s the main thing Montenegro will want to avoid this time around knowing that unbeaten Romania will challenge their second place in the standings. Despite some selection and injury problems, Montenegro still have their faith in their own hands as consecutive matches against both Serbia and Romania can help them achieve their main goal.

Team News

AS Monaco forward Stevan Jovetic has yet to recover from an injury and will be out of contention for games against Serbia and Romania.

Montenegro manager Ljubisa Tumbakovic has subsequently called up Stefan Loncar, Igor Vujacic and Nemanja Mijuskovic who will be hoping for a run-in vs Serbia.

Key Factors to Consider

• Serbia and Montenegro meet for the second time ever on Saturday
• Serbia are unbeaten in all four UEFA Nations League matches
• Hosts conceded just two goals thus far in the competition
• Montenegro won only 1 of their last 4 away matches
• Serbia can qualify for the next stage of UEFA Nations League with 3 points vs Montenegro

Conclusion

As both Serbia and Montenegro hold faith in their own hands, the forthcoming clash at Stadion Rajko Mitic promises to be an interesting affair. Serbia are a more experienced side that Montenegro and will use all of the home support to claim an important victory to head forward in the competition – in our view – without conceding on Saturday.

Verdict: Serbia to Win to Nil

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker:  bet365