Republic of Ireland v Serbia Prediction: Back the Serbs to dominate in Dublin

Ireland have given their fans cause for optimism with the last couple of performances, in particular their display In Lisbon, which required a late double-salvo from Cristiano Ronaldo to win all three points for the Portuguese.  Despite the promising signs, Ireland have failed to win a qualifier since 2019, and they face a stern test from Serbia here.

The Serb’s came from a goal behind to beat Ireland, before James Collins scored late on, making it a nervy final few minutes from the home side. Stojkovic’s side also came back from a two goal deficit as they drew 2-2 with Portugal in their second group game. These positive results have left Serbia tied at the top of the group with Portugal, both having secured ten points from four games. Ireland’s solitary point came as they drew to Bulgaria on home soil.

Dara O’Shea and Seamus Coleman will be missing for the home side, while there are no significant absences for the visitors, who will be looking to secure an important three points.

As previously mentioned, Serbia overcame an early setback when these teams met earlier in the group to win and Ireland’s form since then is cause for concern, even with some spirited displays during that period.

Serbia have only been beaten 1 time in 90 minutes over their last 13 matches and Ireland have failed to win in any of their last five meetings with the Serbs. Serbia are averaging just over two goals scored per game in their last ten matches and they are conceding under one goal per game. Ireland themselves are also scoring 0.9 goals per game over their last ten matches. 

Stephen Kenny has been bullish when questioned about his future in the lead up to this game, but football is a results business and he will need a response from his side here if they are to have any hope of making next year’s World Cup. 

Given the statistics I’m going to have to back against Ireland putting in the kind of performance the manager desires and I think the visitors will run out victorious here.

While the previous statistics show Ireland haven’t been free scoring, there is still some value to be had in backing goals in the match. Serbia’s last ten matches are averaging 2.9 goals per game and the encounter between these sides last year saw 5 goals.

Ireland’s last ten matches average just below the threshold needed for this bet, with an average of 2.2 goals per game in their last ten matches. Kenny’s side have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their two matches at home this year, conceding to both Azerbaijan and Luxembourg, who are significantly weaker than today’s opponents.

The home side come into this game knowing they nothing but the three points will do, tbis should ensure a certain degree of attacking intent.

We have talked about how Serbia should have enough to overcome the home side here and this price is very big considering the perceived level of both of the teams.

Ireland are averaging 1.9 less corners per game that their opponents in their last ten matches, and they had 3 less corners than Serbia when they met earlier in qualifying. Surprisingly, Serbia had 0 corners in the second half in that game and had 9 in the first half, but the allure of a price as big as 33/1 here is very hard to turn down.