Euro 2024: Can Mitrovic Return Give Serbs the Edge in Belgrade?

Serbia vs Hungary

He may have recently left England for pastures new but when it comes to internationals, Serbia have a star man up their sleeve.

With Aleksandar Mitrovic you really can get the full package – a player who causes problems for all and is capable of a centre forward masterclass – and a player who can sometimes take his passion too far.

One thing that cannot be disputed, however, is that his return to the Serbia XI for this Euro 2024 qualifying contest gives the hosts the advantage in what is a top of the table Group G clash in the Puskas Arena.

Talking Points

I think we can justifiably expect Euro 2024 qualifying highlights for this is a meeting of two nations genuinely hopeful of being involved in next summer’s showpiece.

Both have come through their opening three qualifiers unbeaten and both will back themselves to extend those streaks in Belgrade.

Being held to a 1-1 draw in Bulgaria last time out would not have impressed their supporters, Serbia requiring a last-gasp Darko Lazovic goal to earn a share of the spoils.

Nevertheless, it is a goal that could ultimately prove decisive with Serbia having previously opened their qualifying campaign with 2-0 victories over Lithuania and Montenegro respectively.

That means manager Dragan Stojkovic will be confident that a top-two position is more than within their grasp.

As well as Mitrovic, Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is in the squad and he has made a decent start to the season at club level with two goals in his first three outings.

Mitrovic has 52 international goals to his name, half of which have been scored in Belgrade, and he is joined by another player who has recently moved to Saudi Arabia in former Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić.

Marko Grujic is in line to feature in midfield, with Sasa Lukic and Dejan Jovelijc both left out of the squad.

For Hungary, although goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is back in the international fold after a year on the sidelines, Denes Dibusz should retain his spot between the sticks. Dániel Gazdag is injured and Ádám Szalai retired at the end of last year.

Martin Ádám will lead the line, after scoring his first two international goals back in March.

A goalless draw was recorded in Montenegro, either side of wins over Bulgaria and Lithuania on home territory, and Marco Rossi’s side are yet to concede a goal.

If they can keep another clean sheet it will hold them in good stead and ease them nearer to Germany next summer.

A word of warning also before you back Mitrovic, Milinković-Savić, Vlahovic et al.

In their last 13 fixtures, the Magyars have only lost twice – both times against Italy – with three victories over England and Germany during that period.

History

This will be the fourth ever meeting between the two nations since Serbia replaced the former Yugoslavia.

The record currently stands at one win apiece and one draw.

All the clashes have come in the past three years.

In 2020, a goal from Norbert Könyves gave Hungary a 1-0 win in Belgrade in a Nations League match.

The return match in Budapest a month later was drawn as Zslot Kalmár cancelled out Nemanja Radonjić’s opener for the visitors.

The two sides met again in Budapest in the spring of last year in a friendly when an own goal decided the contest in favour of Serbia.

Betting Tip

The home team are backed by the SBOTOP Euro 2024 qualifying betting odds.

Serbia can be tipped in a variety of ways, including First Half 1X2 @ 2.44, First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.44, 1X2 @ 1.74, Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.01 and -1.00 @ 2.40.

For the Magyars, the options vary from First Half 1X2 @ 4.40 and First Half Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 1.88 to 1X2 @ 3.90 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.11.

Another Hungary win in Budapest will pay out @ 11.00 with Correct Score 0-1.

A Serbia victory by the same scoreline is on offer @ 4.70.

If you expect goals, then it’s worth considering the usual array of bets such as over 2.50 @ 2.23, Total Goal 0-1 @ 2.50, 2-3 @ 1.83 and 4-6 @ 4.50.

I am going to opt for the hosts to emerge victorious over 90 minutes with their attacking firepower proving the difference.

 

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