The UEFA Nations League is back in action after the halt due to the coronavirus pandemic. Kicking off the campaign is side Russia as they lock horns with Serbia in the Group B3 fixture. The match schedules for Thursday with kickoff at 6:45 pm.
It is a do-or-die match for both sides fighting for a spot in Group A. The two sides join the race with Turkey and Hungary in the same group. Winners from the matches earn a spot in the coming 2022-23 championship.
Despite having high hopes for the clash, there are still high hopes for the 24-nation tournament next year. This remains the main target for Stanislav Cherchesov and Ljubis Tumbakovic to mark history for the country.
The inaugural Nations League pitched Russia against sides Turkey and Sweden. The side failed for automatic promotion by only one solitary goal. Serbia went through six matches in the buildup against sides Lithuania, Montenegro, and Romania. The side registered four wins and two draws that secured their stay at the top of the group with two points.
Serbia will be newcomers to the group with a lot to do to proceed past the group stages for automatic promotion. The sides will be building momentum for the Euro 2020 scheduled next month against side Norway.
Russia vs. Serbia Head to Head
Both sides have played two games against each other, with Russia taking home two wins. Serbia is yet to register a win against the opponents. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
San Marino 0-5 Russia
Russia 1-4 Belgium
Cyprus 0-5 Russia
Russia 4-0 Scotland
Russia 1-0 Kazakhstan
Away
Serbia 2-2 Ukraine
Serbia 3-2 Luxembourg
Lithuania 1-2 Serbia
Serbia 1-0 Paraguay
Luxembourg 1-3 Serbia
Russia Team News
Follow ten months of no action; it remains a doubt how the manager will line up the starting XI. It remains unclear whether the same quad that featured in the 4-1 defeat to Belarus will cut.
Serbia Team News
Savic will be hoping to gain his spot in the midfielder after starting as a substitute. With Stefan Mitrovic coming at the heart of the defense, this might force Kolarov to assume his role as a left-back. With expect a joint partnership for Mitrovic and Jovic leading the attacking line in a 4-4-2 diamond formation.
Prediction and Odds
Given the histories between both sides, we expect Russia to continue their domination over the side.
Russia Win
Goals Under 2.5
Most Goals: 2H
