Slovenia vs Serbia Prediction: Slovenia can build on Denmark draw
Slovenia fought hard to rescue a 1-1 draw with Denmark in their matchday one opener, turning in a much better display in the second half. Up next for them is a clash with Serbia in Munich on Thursday (14;00, ITV1/STV), with the Eagles falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of England.
This looks like it could be a close encounter on paper and a win would put Slovenia in a great position to reach the round of 16, while Serbia need to get their first points on the board to stand a chance themselves. Read on for my Slovenia vs Serbia prediction, including match odds and team news.
Slovenia vs Serbia Betting Tips
Slovenia are 7/2 to win here, which gives them a theoretical chance of 22.2%. Serbia are valued at 5/6, giving them an implied probability of 54.5%. The draw can be backed at 5/2 (28.6%).
Both teams to score is on offer at 5/6 and over 2.5 goals is marketed at 10/11.
Serbia's all-time leading goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic is priced at 4/1 to open the scoring, while Slovenia's Benjamin Sesko is 7/1 to net the first goal.
Team News
Sesko will continue to lead the line for Slovenia as he carries their biggest goal threat. He rattled the woodwork against Denmark and will be seeking his first Euros goal on Thursday afternoon.
Benjamin Verbic could be called into the starting lineup having made a cameo from the bench last time out, after initially being deemed an injury doubt.
Experienced Serbian attacker and captain Dusan Tadic was omitted from the XI that started against England on Sunday and we could see him come into the fray as Serbia look to add some creativity in the final third.
Mitrovic, who had the armband against England, was taken off after an hour, so he will be desperate to make more of an impact at the Allianz Arena.
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Benjamin Sesko to score anytime @ 7/1
I have already mentioned the two key attacker for each side, and I can see them both having huge roles to play in Thursday's clash. Sesko was very busy against Denmark and was unlucky not to open his account that day, while Mitrovic didn't get much of a sniff against England.
On paper, these two sides are closely matched so I am expecting a frantic end-to-end contest, which I believe both these two stars can profit from. Sesko had two identical chances against the Danes, with one hitting the post, so I can see him trying his luck from that sort of distance again when he faces Serbia.
Both those efforts were close and I think if he were to get another one, we would see the net bulge and he'd announce himself on the Euros stage.
Mitrovic will be in need of much better service than what he received against England, which could pave the way for veteran Tadic to come into the side. He has the physicality and skill to impose himself on the game, and will give the Slovenian defenders a lot to think about.
As the figurehead for his team and their all-time leading goalscorer, I think he will score here in what is a crucial match for Serbia's qualification hopes.
Slovenia or draw and both teams to score - Yes @ 21/10
Slovenia looked like a struggling side in the first half against Denmark but in the second they flipped roles. They were the team dictating play and pushing for the next goal. And once they got it, they looked like the only team that would go on to win it.
That draw will have given their camp a huge confidence boost ahead of this clash with Serbia, and I get the feeling that they can get something out of this game too. Of course Sesko is the star man but he is surrounded by players who are doing their jobs excellently and deserve just as much of the limelight as him.
The midfield and attack can give Serbia some problems, but the Eagles can cause some of their own. They certainly grew into the game against England in the second half and did create some good openings, which I can see happening in Munich.
Strikers Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic will be out with a point to prove so the defence are sure to be in for a tough evening. I do see both teams scoring in this contest but I'm not overly convinced on the result, and so I've gone for Slovenia or draw double chance.
They have momentum coming into this game after coming from behind against Denmark, and I can see that going a long way on Thursday.
Correct score - 1-1 @ 6/1
If I had to guess the score, I'm most inclined to go with a 1-1 draw, which could aid both teams heading into the final round of group games. Slovenia will be pumped after their draw with Denmark, but Slovenia will be desperate for points after tasting defeat to England.
The forwards on both sides will be the key in this fixture, and I think they will be the difference-makers for their teams.
GOAL FEVER - Place a Match Result single bet (Pre-Match), and if your team wins by 3 or more goals in selected matches, we’ll pay a 25% cash bonus on top of your winnings!
Thursday (20/06): Place an In-Play bet of £10 or more odds of 1/2+ on Slovenia v Serbia or Denmark v England and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Spain v Italy.
You can read all our latest Euro 2024 Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.
Share Article
