Serbia surprised many in World Cup qualifying to beat Portugal to top spot of their group, and they are one of the most hyped-up teams for this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
It couldn’t be a much trickier start for the Eagles, though, as they take on Brazil at Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Brazil are hoping to lift the men’s World Cup for the first time since 2002 following disappointments at each of the last two tournaments.
Tite’s side are in imperious form, with a run of seven consecutive wins coming into this match.
Both Teams To Score: Yes
Brazil have kept five clean sheets in seven matches, but Serbia are a hard team to stop.
The Eagles have scored 18 goals in their last six games, and boast a dangerous attack even if Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic is unavailable for this match.
Serbia have failed to score just twice in their last 20 matches.
Dusan Vlahovic has six goals in 10 Serie A starts this season, and he is ably supported by Luka Jovic, Dusan Tadic and Sergei Milinkovic-Savic.
Anytime Goalscorer: Neymar
Neymar is nearing Pele’s goalscoring record for Brazil, and has 11 goals in 14 Ligue 1 starts in 2022-23.
The two-time South American Footballer of the Year has found the net in four of his last five Brazil appearances, and has scored six World Cup goals across the 2014 and 2018 tournaments.
Deservedly the favourite in this market, there is value backing Neymar to get on the scoresheet.
To Be Shown A Card: Strahinja Pavlovic
Recipient of two yellows in four Nations League matches and three in seven World Cup qualifying fixtures, Strahinja Pavlovic is a clear booking candidate in this match.
Pavlovic was also cautioned twice in six Champions League matches for RB Salzburg this season.
Expected to start on the right of the back three, Pavlovic has the unenviable task of dealing with Neymar. He could also find himself up against Vinicius Jr later in the match.
With the opponents and his track record, this is a great price.
All odds are subject to change