Best odds: 8/5
Bookmaker:
The 2020/21 campaign in the UEFA Nations League is set to begin on Thursday evening, and one of the opening matches on the menu is the one Russia will be playing against Serbia at the Central Dynamo Stadium in Moscow in League B Group 3. The other match of the group will be played between Turkey and Hungary in Sivas, Turkey, at the same time, and whoever finishes top of the table will secure promotion to League A.
Russia
In 2018/19, Russia competed in the Nations League Group B2 against Sweden and Turkey, and lost out on the top spot and consequent League A promotion on mere goal-difference. They beat Turkey away by 1-2, then drew 0-0 at home against Sweden, beat Turkey at home by 2-0 and lost away to Sweden by the same scoreline. They fell short of Sweden by a single goal in the final standings.
As for the Euro qualifiers, they were in Group I and finished second behind Belgium, winning all but the two matches against the eventual group winners. Therefore, their place in the main tournament next year is already secure, but they ll be looking to build on what they ve achieved so far and finally break into League A for the next edition of this competition.
Team News
Russia played their last game late in 2019, a 4-1 defeat against Belgium. The entire starting XI from that game have been called up again, and it remains to be seen if coach Stanislav Cherchesov makes any changes. At the age of 37, wide man Yuri Zhirkov could be one to start on the bench this time.
Serbia
In the previous edition, Serbia finished top of Group C4, ahead of Romania, Montenegro and Lithuania. They won four of their six matches; 0-1 away to Lithuania, 0-2 away and 2-1 at home against Montenegro, and 4-1 at home against Lithuania. Only Romania managed to get a point in each game against Serbia, 2-2 in Belgrade and 0-0 in Bucharest. Consequently, Serbia have been promoted to League B.
Serbia failed to book a direct place in the Euros next year. They finished third in Group B, behind Ukraine and Portugal, winning four, drawing two and losing two of the eight matches they played. They will now be facing Norway in the semifinals of the play-offs which could still get them into the tournament.
Team News
There have been no injury problems which would make coach Ljubisa Tumbakovic replace any of the players he initially selected. It s not unlikely he employs a 4-4-2 system which would enable Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic to pair up with Fulham target-man Aleksandar Mitrovic.
In that case, captain Aleksandar Kolarov, reportedly on the verge of leaving AS Roma for Inter Milan, would revert to the left defensive flank with Stefan Mitrovic of Strasbourg possibly entering at centre-back. Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is expected to start as well.
Conclusion
With all due respect to the Serbian team, this game seems like one beyond their ability to win. They are a decent team, looking at the names on the list, but it s been quite a long time since they were able to click properly. On the other hand, Russia are a well-gelled side and are probably the favourites to win not only this match, but the group as well.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 8/5
Bookmaker:
