Two teams looking to build on their opening day victories in the World Cup qualification as Serbia welcome home Portugal. The match schedules for Saturday at Stadion Rajko Mitic, with a kickoff at 10:45 pm.
The hosts edged to a five-goal thriller with the Republic of Ireland in their first game, while Portugal needed a huge stroke to make it a win against Azerbaijan in midweek.
Despite goalscoring woes at Fulham, Aleksandar Mitrovic luck is not glooming on the international stage. His goalscoring touch was rediscovered at the perfect time to help his side register a 3-2 win over the Republic of Ireland on matchday one.
Despite being only five minutes on the pitch, the former Newcastle United man picked a beautiful chip past a hapless Mark Travers. He came up with the game-winning header in the 75th minute, with James Collin’s late tap unable to inspire Ireland dramatic comeback on Serbia’s turf.
Portugal recorded a slight win over Azerbaijan; however, Santos assured that the three points mattered for the night. Portugal continues sharing spoils in four of their last five matches across all competitions.
The side kept its sixth clean sheet from eight games at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday evening. Serbia managed to beat Portugal in their six attempts against them, losing three and drawing three against the Iberian Nation.
Serbia vs Portugal Head to Head
Both teams have four games against each other, with Serbia without a win while Portugal with three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Serbia 3-2 Ireland
Panama 0-0 Serbia
Dominican Republican 0-0 Serbia
Serbia 5-0 Serbia
Hungary 1-1 Serbia
Away
Portugal 1-0 Azerbaijan
Croatia 2-3 Portugal
Portugal 0-1 France
Portugal 7-0 Andorra
France 0-0 Portugal
Serbia Team News
Mitrovic will be looking to extend his goalscoring form, meaning Jovic and Filip Djuricic may have to find spots on the bench. Dusan Tadic bagged both assists for Mitrovic’s goals, hence losing his place in the attack. On the other hand, Filip Kostic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic remain in line for recalls in the engine room.
Portugal Team News
Eighteen-year-old Sporting Lisbon defender Nuno Mendes earned a start at left-back following Raphael Guerreiro’s injury. Bruno Fernandez might get some minutes to start the lineup here with Joao Moutinho under Danilo Pereira’s threat. Both Joao Felix and Diogo Jota should earn a start in the starting XI.
Prediction and Odds
The hosts’ quality is something to cause the opponents a hard time on the other hand of defensive frailties.
Portugal Win
Both Teams to Score
Goals Over 2.5
