Northern Ireland v Serbia
Football : UEFA : Euro2012 Qualification
Fri 2nd September 2011 - Kickoff 19:!5

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Northern Ireland

In this qualification series for Euro2012, Northern Ireland is still undefeated at home. They have collected 5 points from 3 matches at home and they are taking second place in the group.

Considering the fact that they played 0:0 with Italy and 0:0 with Slovenia, we may see how they are playing against strong teams on their home ground. In third match they won against Farans 4:0.

Strong, determined defense, with a bit of Irish luck (especially against Italians) provided them two points from this very hard matches.

Overall, the Northern Irish are surprisingly good in this qualifications, they are third in Group with 9 points, and a record of 2-3-1 and goal difference 7:3.

Serbia

Serbia had many problems during this qualifications.

Despite the fact the Serbia have quality players like Vidic, Ivanovic, Subotic, Kolarov, Krasic, Stankovic, Tosic, Sulejmani Serbia are sitting in a lowly 4th place in the group with only 8 points.

The suspended game in Italy when supporters made "exhibition" and official result of 3:0 hurt the team. But, Serbia retained their morale, won against Ireland in Belgrade on empty stadium and now they are only 3 points away from second place.

For this match, we have only one important player injured - Vidic. This is not such a big problem because Serbia are playing against the team without good forwards, and we have good players for substitute on that position.

Serbia have a record of 2-2-2 in this group, with Goal difference of 8:9. Consider the fact that one game is lost officialy 3:0.

The Prediction :

As you can see, we are dealing with two quite defensive teams, they scored just few goals (games against Faroe cannot be considered like real matches, when Ireland won 4:0, and Serbia 3:0).

In recent history they played H2H just two times, and Serbia won both games. Most recent is win in Belgrade 5 months ago.

Serbia have one bad characteristic, and that is that they are playing very defensively away from home. However, this could be deciding match, so, if we don't win this one, we are out.

We are out of good forwards few years now, with only Pantelic and few youngsters. However, we are very strong in defense, and in midfield. Sulejmani should add an edge in this match. He is young (22) and brilliant forward for Ajax, and he said that he will do his utmost to help this team reach next stage. There are also Tosic, probably the best CSKA player right now, and Krasic.

So, as you can see, considering statistics and type of play, this simply must be an unders match. Too bad is that bookies already know that, so the price on Unders is just 1.55.

Also, I believe that Serbia can win this match. They are good enough, and they must win it.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

N.Ireland 0-1 Serbia

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Main Bet :
Take Serbia to win this match at 2.25,

Side Bets :
Consider Under 2.5 Goals for 1.55, or better take Under 1.5 Goals at 2.60.