STAR PREVIEW: Serbia v Republic Of Ireland

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f this was a horse race you’d be looking for the heavy ground specialists in Serbia tonight for the visit of the Republic Of Ireland.

The match was subject to a late pitch inspection after torrential rain but the good news from Belgrade is that the match goes ahead.

The two sides have previously met three times with an aggregate score of Serbia 3 – Ireland 2 and Martin O’Neill has named his starting XI as: Randolph, Coleman, O’Shea, Keogh, Whelan, Long, Brady, McClean, Hendrick, Ward, Walters.

It’s a new look Ireland side following the retirement of Robbie Keane and the Republic will be looking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

O’Neill said: “There’s only one team certain of qualification, so your mindset should be set to that.

“Three of our first four games are away from home. We need to stay in the competition before we actually even get into it, and these games are tough.

“I think this will be so tight. Teams will take points from each other. We could end up with the lowest number of points. But if you end up on top, where you want to be, then does that matter?”

Serbia v Republic of Ireland
FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifier
19:45 Sky Sports 2 / Sky Sports 2 HD / Sky Sports Mix / Sky Sports Mix HD

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Mar 2014 INTERNATIONAL Ireland 1-2 Serbia
Aug 2012 INTERNATIONAL Serbia 0-0 Ireland
May 2008 INTERNATIONAL Ireland 1-1 Serbia

The playing conditions won’t be ideal and a DRAW looks the most likely option at around 9/4 with Star Sports.

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BACK DRAW for 8 points at 9/4 with Star Sports

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