International Preview: Republic of Ireland v Serbia

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Undefeated thus far since taking over the reigns as Ireland manager, Martin O' Neill looks to have coaxed his side into somewhat of a refreshing rhythm.

Granted, the Republic of Ireland have only played twice since he took charge alongside Roy Keane towards the beginning of November, but before the international break, it looked as though the Irish had regained a significant amount of their self-belief and entertainment value.

A 3-0 win over Latvia at the beginning of their tenure was followed by a scoreless draw against Poland in Poznan, with the Boys in Green striking a more composed and confident figure in just two matches than they ever dared under Giovanni Trapattoni.

In truth, all that's been laid down so far has been the foundations; there remains a lot of fine-tuning that needs to be taken care of over the course of the next few months. But Irish should be relatively happy with the set-up that's now in place.

Former Celtic boss O' Neill looks to be keen on the idea of Ireland getting the ball on the deck and passing it around more, and having not yet conceded under the new managerial duo they look  increasingly assured and relaxed at the back.

Of course, they have yet to face a truly brilliant side, but in the shape of Serbia arriving to the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday evening, it's likely they'll come up against a very stern opponent with just as much of a point to prove as the hosts.

SERBIA

The midweek fixture against the Irish will be Serbia's first international friendly since their 1-1 draw away to Russia back in November at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Coming into the tie, Serbia's interim manager Ljubinko Drulovic will be keen to rally his troops as they'll be looking to use the match as a useful preparation for the European Championship qualifying phase which will begin in earnest after the World Cup.

If the 45-year-old Serbian supremo can do himself justice with a good result, he'll increase his chances considerably of taking control of the reins on a more permanent basis.

And with such a talented squad, there's not much reason to doubt that they can get to France in just over two years’ time, although they'll face testing battles against Portugal and Denmark along the way. 

With the likes of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic and Nemanja Matic included in their current squad alongside Manchester City's Aleksandar Kolarov, they're certainly not lacking in top-quality performers.

Add to this the youthful promise of  Roma FC's Adem Ljajic, who's received a rare call-up to the squad after falling out with departed coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, and it's clear the Eagles have plenty of reasons to be cheerful for the future.

However, a look back at their costly start to qualification for Brazil 2014 shows that there does exist some loose ends that need sorting – they drew their opening match against Scotland before losing two on the bounce a month later against Belgium and FYRO Macedonia. 

Incidentally, like Ireland, Serbia are going through a transitional period but they are still very much a dangerous outfit with a lot to prove and will nonetheless be eager to pull off a win to set their fans' minds at ease until the all-important qualifiers kick back into action in the Autumn.

MATCH STATS

The last time these two sides met, in 2012, the friendly match ended in a scoreless draw in Belgrade.

Drulovic was in charge of the Serbia U19 side when they won the European Championships over a year ago. They ground out a 0-0 draw against Paul Doolin's men along the way.

The now resigned Trapattoni took charge of his first game as Ireland boss against Serbia at home in 2008. Again, it ended all square – Andy Keogh netting a 90^th minute equaliser to make it 1-1.

Neither side will have any involvement at this summer's World Cup. Instead, all eyes will be fixed on preparing to qualify for France 2016.

BETTING

Ireland 8/5; Draw 21/10; Serbia 19/10

PREDICTION

With a history of draws between the sides, don't be surprised if neither team takes the tie by the scruff of the neck.

Consequently, this probably won't be the most ferocious of match-ups, particularly given its taking place in the middle of the domestic season; approach plays will be tentative for the most part.

All the same, there should be a few goals, given the urge some players will have to impress their respective coaches.

Ireland, as hosts, should start the brighter of the two teams but Serbia's class will eventually rise to the occasion. When all is said and done, we should be in for a fairly entertaining 1-1 draw.

Ireland injury news: Andy Reid (hernia), Kevin Doyle (thigh) and Rob Elliot (knee).

Serbia injury news: None.