Serbia to roll past Luxembourg in Euro 2020 qualifying
Serbia vs Luxembourg - 14/11/2019
1751
Serbia can qualify for the Euro 2020 tournament proper, but they must win both matches during the international break and get help from other teams in Group B.
The Serbians head into the final international break of the year in third place in Euro 2020 qualifying Group B. They must defeat Luxembourg and group leaders Ukraine while Portugal must slip up in their final two matches.
It is a tall order for Ljubiša Tumbaković’s team. Serbia are guaranteed a playoff place, however, giving them a chance of making the Euro 2020 tournament proper if they miss out on the top two.
Luxembourg are nearly down and out in Euro 2020 qualifying. They have taken just four points from 18 possible while conceding 11 goals.
Serbia travelled to the Stade Josy Barthel in September and came away 3-1 winners courtesy of goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic (two) and Nemanja Radonjic. Luxembourg did pull a goal back in the second half through David Turpel but the game was beyond them at that point.
Tumbaković’s side goes in as favourites on Thursday night and a win could propel them over Portugal in Group B standings. The reigning European Champions would need to lose or draw for that to occur. Portugal play Lithuania and it is unlikely points will be dropped.
Serbia’s issue in qualifying has been shipping goals. The Serbians have allowed 13 goals and go into the match against Luxembourg with a –1-goal difference.
Luxembourg have conceded the most goals in the group and it is likely Serbia can push their goal difference into positive territory. Manager Luc Holtz’s team lacks overall quality with most of his players being culled from mid- to lower-level leagues around the world.
They have won just once in nine tries in 2019. That victory came against Lithuania in Euro 2020 qualifying. Since then, Luxembourg are winless in eight straight games with the last five in all competitions ending in losses.
Serbia striker Mitrovic is one to watch. He scored twice against Luxembourg when they met in September. Mitrovic is tied with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals scored in the group with seven. The striker has tallied 58% of Serbia’s scoring in Group B.
Tumbaković’s team has lost just twice in 2019 with Ukraine and Portugal claiming victories. Serbia will continue their strong play against Luxembourg and pick up a victory at home.
The Serbians should once again put over 2.5 goals past Luxembourg’s weak defence. Despite the victory, Serbia may need the playoffs to reach next summer’s Euro 2020 tournament.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
EuQ
503317
1
3 - 0
3.22
12° 1.15
1.15
8.23
20.00
-1
1
1
3 - 2(2 - 0)