UEFA Nations League

[monks data]

Nations League | League B

Sep 6, 2020 at 7.45pm UK

Stadion Rajko Mitić

Serbia
0 - 0
Turkey

Kolarov (45+2'), Tadic (62'), Kostic (62')
Kolarov (49')

Yazici (37'), Kabak (79')

Preview: Serbia vs. Turkey - prediction, team news, lineups

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: September 4 2020 | 16:30

Last updated: June 5 2024 | 13:45

Sports Mole previews Sunday's UEFA Nations League fixture between Serbia and Turkey, including team news and injury news.

Serbia welcome Turkey to Belgrade on Sunday with both nations having began their 2020-21 UEFA Nations League campaign with a defeat.

While Serbia were suffering a 3-1 defeat in Russia, Turkey succumbed to a surprise 1-0 reverse at home to Hungary.

Match preview

Serbia midfielder Nikola Milenkovic in action during a Nations League tie with Montenegro in November 2018 © Reuters

Despite being provided with a visit to Russia on matchday one, Ljubisa Tumbakovic would have had confidence in his Serbia side recording at least a point in Moscow.

However, he could only watch on as his players succumbed rather tamely, eventually losing by a 3-1 scoreline with all three goals conceded coming in the second half.

While Euro 2020 qualification has already been secured, Tumbakovic will feel that he can ill-afford a poor effort in the Nations League if he wishes to remain in his current role for at least another 10 months.

Serbia have failed to produce a convincing performance in any of his first seven games in charge, increasing the pressure ahead of what should be a feisty encounter at the weekend.

They also head into the contest having recorded just one clean sheet in 13 attempts, that one shutout coming in a friendly against Paraguay.

Like their hosts, Turkey will want to provide an immediate response to suffering defeat at the hands of Hungary.

Although their opponents only prevailed thanks to a thunderous Dominik Szoboszlai free kick, Senol Gunes's side still failed to score against opponents who went into the game after five defeats in six outings.

The setback ended a six-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, and a failure to defeat either Iceland or Hungary has left the earlier 1-1 draw in France a distant memory.

The Crescent Stars must now get back on track as soon as possible, especially with a second successive setback having the potential to leave them out of the race for Nations League promotion.

Serbia Nations League form: L
Serbia form (all competitions): WWWWDL

Turkey Nations League form: L
Turkey form (all competitions): WWDDWL

Team News

Aleksandar Kolarov in action for Roma on November 27, 2018 © Reuters

Having only been used as a substitute on Thursday night, Aleksandar Kolarov could be recalled to the Serbia starting lineup.

Adam Ljajic and Luka Jovic are also in contention for a recall as Tumbakovic considers making several alterations.

Despite being withdrawn midway through the second half against Russia, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic should remain in the first XI.

While Gunes will contemplate alterations to his Turkey side, he may not make as many as his opposite number.

Yusuf Yazici and Irfan Can Kahveci could both be preferred from the opening whistle after being used as substitutes versus Hungary.

Serbia possible starting lineup:
Dmitrovic; Milenkovic, Maksimovic, Kolarov, Mladenovic; Maksimovic, Milinkovic-Savic; Ljajic, Tadic, Kostic; Mitrovic

Turkey possible starting lineup:
Cakir; Mulder, Demiral, Soyuncu, Meras; Ayhan, Kahveci; Yazici, Calhanoglu, Kilinc; Yilmaz

SM words green background

We say: Serbia 2-1 Turkey

After the disappointment of Thursday evening, both sides know that they can ill-afford another defeat. However, despite the possibility of both teams settling for a point should the opportunity arise, we expect Serbia to end strongly to claim a maximum return.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.

Written by
Darren Plant

Data Analysis

Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Serbia win with a probability of 38.59%. A win for Turkey had a probability of 36.77% and a draw had a probability of 24.6%.

The most likely scoreline for a Serbia win was 2-1 with a probability of 8.51%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 1-0 (7.95%) and 2-0 (5.9%). The likeliest Turkey win was 1-2 (8.27%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (11.47%). The actual scoreline of 0-0 was predicted with a 5.4% likelihood.