Sunday Football Tips: Shoot for profit with Serbia in Portugal

“A big threat at set-pieces, Milenkovic has managed at least one shot in seven of his last 11 international starts and 10 of his last 17, including the first match between the sides in Serbia back in March.”

Portugal v Serbia
Sunday 14 November, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports Red Button

This World Cup qualifier is one of three winner-takes-all matches on Sunday, the victor claiming a spot at Qatar 2022.

In this case, the draw favours Portugal so Serbia have to come out at some stage (they have nothing to lose with a play-off place already a minimum guarantee) and so there looks to be an opportunity in the shots markets.

For all their attacking talent, Portugal have long been a fairly cautious team and given the group situation, it’s not hard to envisage them relying on their defensive strength somewhat in this contest. After all, they have conceded just four goals in seven qualifiers thus far and another clean sheet here sends them to the World Cup.

Portugal could well look to play on the break – something they are astute at – so Serbia should see enough of the ball to create shooting opportunities. Remember, blocked shots are absolutely fine for the bet tallies and a bolstered defence could well lead Serbia to taking a few pot shots.

Given that line of thinking, picking out some of their players for shots in a Bet Builder is the approach I’m going to take.

Let’s start with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, a player who is enjoying a great season at Lazio.

The central midfielder has hit 2+ shots in seven of his 12 club starts this season, while he’s managed that in four of six qualifiers for his country, including the reverse fixture – a match which ended 2-2 and with Serbia out-shooting their opponents 16-12.

Clearly the opposition is higher than most here but there’s a good chance he’ll be let off the leash, at least at some point, and 2+ shots at 7/5 looks more than fair.

Next up is Nemanja Radonjic, who is expected to line up at right wing-back given the injury to Darko Lazovic.

He doesn’t start too often for the Serbs but has shown his propensity for a shot as a substitute. Indeed, he managed two in 21 minutes against Ireland and two in 45 against Luxembourg.

He has often played as more of attacking player at club level so his natural game is to get forward and that can produce shots. I’ll put him down for 2+ at 2/1.

Finally, I’ll add in centre-back Nikola Milenkovic for 1+ shot at 10/11.

A big threat at set-pieces, the 6ft 4in star has managed at least one shot in seven of his last 11 international starts and 10 of his last 17, including the first match between the sides in Serbia back in March.

Put the three legs together and the Bet Builder pays just under 10/1. Worth a try.

Click here for Dan Fitch’s preview of Sunday’s World Cup qualifiers