Russia vs. Serbia 9/3/20 UEFA Nations League Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Russia is welcoming Serbia to Dynamo Central Stadium in round 1 in the UEFA Nations League.

Russia is a solid team, and they are in the 38th spot in FIFA standings. In the Euro Cup qualifications, Russia ended their group in second place with 24 points, 33 scored goals, and 8 conceded goals, 6 points behind Belgium. In their latest match against weak San Marino, Russia has had massive 82% of ball possession, 15 shots on goal, 11 corner kicks, 3 big chances created, and 88% of the correct passes. Russia has won this game 0-5. There is a lot of talent in this Russian team, and they showed us some of that talent back in the World Cup in Russia when they reached the quarterfinals. If I would have to choose one player from the Russian team, that would have been Artem Dzyuba, Zenit’s striker who is playing in great form and always gives his best for the national team. In the Euro Cup next year, Russia will be in the group with Denmark, Finland, and Belgium, and to be honest, I like Russia’s chances to advance to the next stage. Cherchesov has been Russia’s head coach since 2016, and he has done some amazing things with this team. An interesting thing about this Russian team is that every single player invited is playing in the Russian Premier League.

Serbia has unfortunately not qualified for the Euro Cup next year as they ended the qualifications in 3rd place with 14 points, 3 points behind Portugal. Offensively, Serbia was solid with 17 scored goals, but their defense was a disaster with 17 conceded goals in only 8 games. There are plenty of good players like Jovic, Tadic, Kostic, Milinkovic-Savic, Grujic, and Gudelj is this Serbian team, but there is very little chemistry, and that is the main reason why Serbia can stay consistent despite their good team. Tumbakovic has become the head coach back in July of 2019, and since then he has 4 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw with Serbia. In their last match of the Euro Cup qualifications against Ukraine, Serbia has had 52% of ball possession, 6 shots on goal, 3 corner kicks, and a solid 88% of the correct passes. I would say that this Serbia team is well balanced, and the goalkeeping place where Serbia was the weakest before, is quite solid now with Rajkovic and Dmitrovic who are both playing in good form, especially Dmitrovic who had a great season with Eibar in LaLiga.

Russia has never lost to Serbia in the past, and they were dominant at home, but the last game Russia and Serbia played against each other in Russia was back in 2013. Russia and Serbia are teams of similar qualities, and the only advantage Russia has is that they are playing at home. I have a feeling Serbia could surprise in this match, but I will pick something on goals here.