Republic of Ireland vs Serbia - World Cup Qualification Europe Preview and Odds

Published on: 05/09/2017

Republic of Ireland vs Serbia - World Cup Qualification Europe Preview and Odds

September 05, 2017 19:45pm - Aviva Stadium

World Cup Qualification - Group D

Republic of Ireland will look to extend their unbeaten streak in Group D when they take on table-topping Serbia at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night.

The home side remain second in the group but a run of three straight draws including last Saturday`s 1-1 stalemate in Georgia has left them just two points ahead of rivals Wales. With the Welsh playing at home to group strugglers Moldova on the same night, anything other than a win could put their World Cup qualifying dreams in severe doubt.

Only the team that finishes top of the group will be guaranteed a place in nest summer`s showdown in Russia, while the second placed team could potentially qualify via the play-offs.

Ireland have not been beaten in a competitive match since they were knocked out of the 2016 European Championships, although they did draw their last two at home in this qualifying section. However, they have also performed well on the road and held Serbia to a 2-2 draw when they met in Belgrade back in September.

Meanwhile, the visitors cruised to a 3-0 win over Moldova at the weekend to cement their place at the top of the group. They remain unbeaten in the group and know that a win on Tuesday night would virtually seal their place in next summer`s event.

Slavoljub Muslin`s men have won four and drawn three of their Group D games and look much improved from the side that failed to make it to the Euros last year. Newcastle forward Aleksandar Mitrovic has been a huge factor in their turnaround, netting five times in this qualifying campaign.

Recent form (All competitions)

Republic of Ireland: DWLDW

Serbia: WDDWW

Betting odds and tips

Serbia would probably be content with a draw here but such a result would put huge pressure on the Irish should Wales prevail as expected. As a result, the home side should really seek to take the initiative in this game - however, that is just not their style. They have drawn four of their last seven qualification games, while the visitors have drawn three of their last seven.

Aleksandar Mitrovic also looks decent value to score anytime at 2/1, while the correct score of 1-1 is available at 11/2.

You can back the draw at 21/10 Bet365. Aleksandar Mitrovic also looks decent value to score anytime at 2/1, while the correct score of 1-1 is available at 11/2.

By Neil Morris