World Cup

World Cup 2018 – Team Analysis – Serbia

Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic is the central figure in Serbia’s national team.

However, World Cup Fantasy managers should think twice before considering Luka Milivojevic, who is unlikely to reproduce the form that saw him become a key Fantasy Premier League asset in 2017/18.

We’ve got everything you need to know about the final Group E nation here…

ROAD TO QUALIFICATION

As is often the case with former Yugoslavian nations, nobody is sure which Serbia will turn up at this World Cup. Will it be the outfit which won a difficult qualification group containing Republic of Ireland, Wales and Austria, all of whom had varying levels of success at Euro 2016 in Serbia’s absence? Or will it be the side beaten at home by Morocco in March with their captain and best defender Branislav Invanovic benched by rookie coach Mladen Krstajic?

Under the management of Slavoljub Muslin, the Serbians lost just one match in qualification making it to a major international tournament for the first time since 2010. Although even then, most of the goals conceded came from defensive errors. So despite successfully winning a group as rank outsiders, Muslin was sacked from his position in October. Other factors in the decision were reported to be disagreements with the country’s football association over team selection, defensive tactics and the omission of young players, namely Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

However, a change in management has, if anything, made things worse. Serbia could yet prove to be another in a long line of Balkan nations unable to get the best out of a good squad. Since 44-year-old Krstajic took over, the players have struggled to adapt to his new tactics. Muslin booked a place in Russia using a 3-4-3 formation but Krstajic has switched between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 in friendlies and is still unsure which he will use in Russia. “What formation we will play depends on many factors,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s still early to talk about that.”

It’s just two wins from five under Krstajic so far and with important figures such as Nemanja Matic and Dusan Tadic featuring only as second-half substitutes, Serbia were beaten by Chile on Monday night. Add into the mix that they will be without key centre-back Matija Nastasic through injury at the World Cup and ongoing accusations that most of the squad don’t perform as well for their country as they do for their club and it’s hard to know how much to expect from them in Group E.

UEFA QUALIFYING

Most starts: Branislav Ivanovic, Dusan Tadic (both 10), Aleksandar Mitrovic, Antonio Rukavina (both 9), Aleksandar Kolarov, Filip Kostic, Luka Milivojevic, Vladimir Stojkovic (all 8).

Most goals: Mitrovic (6), Tadic (4), Kolarov, Kostic, Gacinovic (all 2).

Most assists: Tadic (7), Kostic (5).

THE KEY TARGETS

Involved in over half of Serbia’s goal’s during qualifying Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic (£6.4m on Fantasy iTeam | £8.5m on McDonald’s FIFA) is the most important Fantasy asset for anyone looking to cover this nation. He scored four goals himself (two from the penalty spot) and assisted seven more, contributing to 11 of Serbia’s 20 qualification strikes. Tadic was a mainstay during that stage of the competition too, starting every single match in UEFA Group D. Since passage to Russia was booked he has featured from the beginning in three of the five friendlies played, operating predominantly on the right-wing of either a 4-3-3- or 4-2-3-1 and scoring against Morocco in March.

On the opposite flank is Hamburg left-winger Filip Kostic (£5.7m on Fantasy iTeam | £6.0m on McDonald’s FIFA), who was just as important during the qualification phase. Developing a good relationship with Tadic, he slotted two goals of his own assisting another five. He has started just two friendlies under Krstajic but did add another assist in March’s 2-0 win over Nigeria. Priced much cheaper than Tadic on Fantasy iTeam at £5.7m, he is worth considering as a cheaper alternative.

Much more assured of a starting berth when Serbia face Costa Rica in the Group E opener on June 17th is striker Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.5m on Fantasy iTeam | £7.5m on McDonald’s FIFA). The Newcastle United man has revitalised his career at Fulham this season and top-scored for Serbia in qualifying with six strikes. Since Krstajic took over he has started all but one of the friendlies in a lone centre-forward role adding a further three goals.

THE LONG SHOTS

The subject of much debate under Muslin’s time in charge, midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (£5.7m on Fantasy iTeam | £7.0m on McDonald’s FIFA) has had another fantastic season with Lazio and is now being linked with a move to Manchester United. The 23-year-old scored 12 goals and assisted another three in Serie A this season but struggled to get into national squad during Muslin’s tenure for being unwilling to play in defensive midfield. Now that the former boss has moved on, Milinkovic-Savic has started two friendlies, ironically one of them in defensive midfield. He’s not completely nailed on to start with three caps to his name but if handed the opportunity on the back of a break-out season at club level, he could do well in Russia.

20-year-old striker Luka Jovic (£6.2m on Fantasy iTeam | £6.0m on McDonald’s FIFA) only has six minutes of senior international football under his belt but has found club form at the perfect time. On loan at Eintracht Frankfurt from Benfica, he scored nine goals in 27 appearances in all competitions, and assisted another as the Bundesliga side went on to win the DFB Pokal final against Bayern Munich. As previously stated, Mitrovic has the centre-forward position nailed on but any injuries or suspensions could see Jovic given a chance. Alternatively, Aleksandar Prijovic (£6.0m on Fantasy iTeam | £6.0m on McDonald’s FIFA) scored the winning goal in the final qualifier and could come in for Mitrovic.

AREAS TO AVOID

Serbia’s unsettled defence is an area to stay away from. Former Chelsea man Branislav Ivanovic (£5.8m on Fantasy iTeam | £5.5m on McDonald’s FIFA) was ever-present at centre-back during qualifying but has been in and out of the side since Krstajic took over, having the captaincy stripped from him and handed to Aleksander Kolarov (£6.0m on Fantasy iTeam | £5.5m on McDonald’s FIFA) too. Kolarov himself has started three of Krstajic’s five matches and five different options have been used at centre-back. Furthermore, Serbia’s back-line is not particularly trustworthy either, averaging at least one goal conceded per game in qualifying. That doesn’t bode well ahead of facing Brazil’s potent attack and the not-so-goal-shy Switzerland and Costa Rica in Group E.

Another player to stay away from is Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic (£6.1m on Fantasy iTeam | £6.0m on McDonald’s FIFA). The 27-year-old earned popularity on Fantasy Premier League this season for taking the penalties, free-kicks and corners for his side. Those responsibilities led him to 10 goals and two assists with the Eagles, all at a bargain price. Expecting him to replicate that at the World Cup would be foolish, though. National team set-pieces, including penalties, are taken by Tadic, not Milivojevic.

Further Analysis

Our comprehensive World Cup guide can be found here.

Group A Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group BIran, Morocco, Portugal, Spain

Group CAustralia, Peru, France, Denmark

Group DArgentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Group EBrazil, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Serbia

Group FMexico, Germany, Sweden, South Korea

Group GBelgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

Group HSenegal, Japan, Poland, Colombia

Our editor’s Fantasy World Cup tips as told to Proper Sport

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517 Comments Post a Comment
  1. caldracula
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Pickford nailed on for the first 2? Don’t see why we would rotate keepers unless he has a shocker in the first game

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

    2. juggos
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It's active subs so you'd rotate goalkeepers if your first one that plays in the gameweek didn't keep a cs. Also means you can't have 2 goalkeepers that play on the same day at any point in the first 3 gameweeks or else you've wasted an opportunity

  2. proczell
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone playing the norwegian game?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yep, seems great. Will be just that one for me.
      Whats yoor team so far?

      1. proczell
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Muslera
        Marcelo - Meunier - Sidibe - Hector
        Haz (C) - SMS - James
        Kaku - Werner - Cavani

        Haldorsson - Vestergaard - Barcenas - Boussoufa

        How about you?

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Just tinkering so far
          Pickford
          Hector - Trippier - Kjaer - Hosseini
          Haz - Rodriguez - Eriksen
          Neymar - Griezmann - Mandzukic

          Haldorsson - Boussafa - Otayf - Magnusson

          I had Werner in initially but I want to be more certain that hes a starter.Will probably change the team a lot before it starts 😆

          1. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Seems like 3 top midfielders is the way to go. Really poor value in the 6-8 bracket for midfielders

        2. Root
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Why Milinkovic-Savic? Just for 1.0m more you could get Paulinho.

          1. proczell
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            I do not have 1.0m...

            1. Root
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Downgrade anyone.

          2. yakirh
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            What's all the hype over Paulinho, he is a defensive midfielder that had a bad season in Barcelona.
            Surely there are better options

            1. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Yea dont understand it at all. Crappy pick.

            2. Root
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              He's definitely a better pick than Milinkovic-Savic.

              1. yakirh
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                True. But there are better picks at 9M

                1. yakirh
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  8M*

                2. Root
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  He's 7.5m in this Norwegian game

                3. Root
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  Personally I'd upgrade even more and get Sterling (8.5m mid).

    2. Root
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Muslera
      Meunier Hector Sidibe Trippier
      Hazard J.Rodriguez Sterling Pogba
      Neymar Werner

      4.0*4 bench

  3. Chidge
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere, but is this game similar to other FIFA ones where you can transfer out players who have played for players who are yet to play and get the new player's score?

    1. SW6
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It is yes, and you can change captain too

      1. Chidge
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks!

  4. wagwan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Heads up, Varela appears to be injured

    https://www.kingfut.com/2018/06/07/uruguay-varela-miss-friendly-injury/

    1. SW6
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      feck

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft a-gley

  5. Rotation
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I'm sure having two Carlos Sanchez's midfielders called C. Sanchez won't cause any confusion...

  6. pressdpm
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I actually liked the 2014 version where defensive mids got a ton of points

    1. Chidge
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Certainly made it funnier. Nabil Bentaleb outscoring loads of premium mids. Are there any DM related bonuses this time, or have they just got rid of that completely.

      1. pressdpm
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Think they got rid

  7. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Guti will be the new Real Madrid manager as per sources from Madrid.

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It is looking like that,he has now shot into evens favorite for the job.

      I am not so sure he is the right choice because his lack of experience as a top manager.There is a lot of dirty work to be done at Madrid to build a new team.

      1. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Think its just because there are no viable alternatives at the market. Hes a great coach from what I've seen from him its just that its going to be too much for him to do it all by himself. Ronaldo is probably leaving, core is getting older by the day, he needs to change the whole team while not having as much respect from the players as Zizou had. Not to mention he will be first on the out list if things go south. He will need to win at least LaLiga from the get go otherwise Papa Perez cuts him loose.

  8. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Launched?

      1. didopich
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        It won't load on my IPhone.. just getting blue screen when I press on my team or create a team

  9. QuintonFortune25
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone know if Muriel the Columbian ST is nailed? Could be great third ST at 6.5

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      No he isn't - Falcao likely Colombian striker

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Okay cheers

        1. juggos
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Carlos Bacca ahead of him as well

  10. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Any decent bargain basement forwards/mids/defenders that people have found in the McDonalds game?

  11. eduk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Which fantasy world cup games are preferred? McDonalds and Sun seem to get a lot of mentions?

  12. Jambot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    https://fantasy.fifa.com/static-assets/McDonaldsFantasyRules.pdf

    Full rules give GK more clean sheet points than defenders which I assume is a mistake.

    1. Chidge
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Maybe not. Defenders have a decent chance of assists/goals. For keepers it's basically all about clean sheets and saves. If true, makes GK selection a bit more important.

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        That's not what it says on the game proper - I imagine it's a typo

  13. yakirh
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Coutinho only 9M !!!
    Same as Alli, James, Eriksen, Pogba
    Very surprising
    Should have been at least 10M

  14. FFFrog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    2 x 4.5m placefillers the way to go in midfield? The only decent mids all appear to be very expensive aside from maybe Lanzini and I'd rather have 3 mids over 8.5m than 2 over 8.5m, 1 7m and 1 6m - I can't see decent options. Thoughts?

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      This is a strategy I want to do. Don’t know who the nailed 4.5mids are tho.

    2. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I agree

    3. juggos
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Possibly could work.

      Not sure I'd call them placefillers though. You'd bring them in for any non performer that played earlier in that gameweek so you'd still want someone capable of getting points. E.g. if messi blanks and only scores 2 pts in his game, the next day you can bring in your cheap costa-rican 4.5m midfielder to replace him

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I was thinking the other way around - you start with two starting 4.5s, if they do nothing you can just bring in James/ Lukaku

        1. juggos
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I prefer to take out non-performing big hitters. Seems a bit more of a differential that way... maybe? Also on the off chance that all your cheapies do perform, you then face a tougher decision on which premium player do you sit out

    4. SW6
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'd like one 4.5m mid for sure but he has to play and at least have half a chance of doing something

      1. juggos
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Agreed. There are no bench fodder in this game

        1. SW6
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Keep an eye on Colindres tonight vs England, he has a good goalscoring record, has been starting for Costa Rica recently and is 5m. Haven't spotted a decent 4.5m yet though

    5. HALFSPACE
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Agree. Have gone Isco-Coutinho-Lanzini-Asensio for the moment. Latter two whiff of risk

  15. We Will Klopp you
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Salah or Dembele?

  16. didopich
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone having problems on IPHONE 5s ??
    When I click on create a team I just get a blue screen everytime

  17. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    So the first prize for wining FPL WC is a brand new Kia Sportage,I need to find money for taxes

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nr2 doesnt get it so you dont have to worry about it. 😉

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'm aiming for number 2 spot now tbh

  18. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Any nailed 4.5-5.0m mids?

  19. The Nuttman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Lanzini worth a punt at 6.5m?

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'd steer clear. Argentina are not a high scoring team.

      1. The Nuttman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Better find another 6.5m mid then, cheers.

  20. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    is there an android app in play store for the launched game?

  21. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I'm so proud of me.I managed to log in.Tomorrow i'm gonna create my FWC team.....

  22. Blue&White85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I reckon a 5-2-3 format looks best. See more points in defenders and forwards than midfielders.

    1. juggos
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Agree and that's almost always the case in these tournaments. However in the past they used to reward pts for every 5 recovered balls

  23. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    David Silva listed as a Forward and Thomas Muller listed as a Midfielder, what is this?

    1. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Sterling as a forward, Lingard as a mid is annoying

    2. Critical Observer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Silva has been a forward in these euro/WC games since forever.

    3. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Both should be midfielders

  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Interesting note, Argentina gk are all 5m and below. Who will start?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      potentially Guzman at 4.5?

      1. The Nuttman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Might take the risk he does, would only be a non playing GK if I didn't.

        1. juggos
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Not worth it. You'd want 2 nailed gks so you can swap them if the other doesn't perform. And I don't think he has a good enough shot at the #1 spot

    2. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Either Willy or Armani.

    3. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Caballero

    4. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Either Willy or Armani, but there are no more friendlies for Argentina so we can't really know

  25. didopich
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone know if this game can be played on phone?? Doesn't show a team or anything when I click to create one shows blue blank screen
    Is it just a computer version???

  26. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Link to Mcdonalds game?

  27. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    First mess around squad draft before getting more info.. 🙂

    El Kajoui - Uzoho
    Varela - Carvajal - Danilo - Meunier - Yoshida
    Muller - Eriksen - Isco - Golovin - Jedinak
    Cavani - Jesus - Boutaib

    1.0 ITB

  28. Speédy
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Why is Dilva a forward?

    1. Critical Observer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Same reason he was a forward in Euro 2016, WC 2014, Euro 2012 and WC 2010.

      1. Jairzinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        What's the reason?

  29. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    After messing around for a couple of hours on McDonalds fantasy I've concluded that there's no way of having a decent team in it with Messi up front. Seems crazy to go without him however

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Hard group, expensive player. Didnt have any trouble not picking him.

      1. HALFSPACE
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Hard group lool, confirmation bias in front of our eyes

        1. CloudSky
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          You are absolutely clueless if you wouldnt call that a hard group but to each their own. 🙂

          1. HALFSPACE
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            ICE CRO NIG three fixtures for Arg.

            1. CloudSky
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Yes. The same Iceland that knockout England. The same Nigeria that put 4 past Argentina one year ago. The same Croatia that steamrolled their group in Euros with Spain and was barely put out in 117' by the later European champions. Playing the same Argentina that has the likes of Caballero, and Fazio in their first 11 that conceded 6 not 3 months ago in one game.

              1. CloudSky
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                Not to mention they barely made it to the WC finishing 13 behind Brazil.

                1. HALFSPACE
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  You've convinced me to avoid Messi, like you did yourself. Thank you senor

                  1. Jairzinho
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 9 months ago

                    lool

    2. juggos
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'm happy to avoid him

  30. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    McD Fantasy FFS league code please..

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      HEWJPVYR

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        cheers BURY