One of the tightest groups in 2018 UEFA World Cup qualifying is Group D and three teams remain in contention for the top two places. Serbia currently lead the way at the top of the table with 15 points and Republic of Ireland are in second place, with 13 points. These teams meet in Dublin for what is a huge game and one which could ultimately decide the fate of the group.
World Cup Qualifiers First round – Aviva Stadium – Singapore 04th September – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 2 at William Hill |
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Republic of Ireland
SerbiaWales are the team in third place on 11 points and with Moldova away as their next match, will be hoping to take advantage of the result in Dublin by winning that game.
Both Republic of Ireland and Serbia know a win would be massive.
Republic of Ireland Form
Republic of Ireland stuttered to a 1-1 draw in Georgia on Saturday evening and despite taking the lead, could not hold out for maximum points.
It was not a great performance from Martin O’Neil’s team and their goal came courtesy of a goal keeping error from Georgia. They will need to improve their performance level if they are to win this match.
Republic of Ireland are one of three teams undefeated in this group and have won 3 and drawn 4 of their 7 games. The draws have come in Serbia and at home to Wales and Austria. Republic of Ireland have won only 1 of their previous 7 games, which was a home friendly win against Uruguay.
At home, Republic of Ireland have won 3 of their last 10 games.
Serbia Form
Serbia were given the simplest of tasks in their group game on Saturday night as they defeated Moldova 3-0 at home. However, the intensity of this match is sure to be something else and they must step up their level of performance.
Serbia are also undefeated in Group D having won 4 and drawn 3 of their 7 games. The draws have come at home to Republic of Ireland and home and away against Wales.
Serbia have won 2 of their last 6 games and have kept 2 clean sheets in their last 7 games. Away from home, Serbia have won 4 of their last 12 away games.
Team News
Republic of Ireland have no suspension concerns ahead of this match and will probably start with Jon Walters and Shane Long in attack. Shane Duffy scored his first international goal in the Georgia match and will keep his place at the heart of the defence.
Serbia can welcome back Luka Milivojevic and Vladimir Stojkovic, who were both suspended for the match against Moldova. Branislav Ivanovic will captain the team and Nemanja Matic will play in central midfield for the visitors.
Top Betting Tips
The way Group D has developed, this match has a draw written all over it. Neither team has lost and will not be willing to commit too many men forward for fear of losing their first match of the group. The draw is 21/10 with Ladbrokes.
Republic of Ireland have seen under 2.5 goals in each of their 3 home World Cup qualifying games. They are unlikely to change their approach for this match and the draw with under 2.5 goals is on offer at 5/2 with Ladbrokes.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 6 goals in his last 5 World Cup qualifying games for Serbia and will be their main goal scoring threat in this match. Mitrovic is 15/8 with Ladbrokes to score at any time.