Montenegro - Lithuania predictions and free betting tips [16/11/2023]

On Thursday, within the 9th tour of the group stage of the European Championship qualifier, Montenegro will host Lithuania at the "Pod Goricom" Stadium in Podgorica. 

Projected lineups

Montenegro: Mijatovic; Vujacic, Savic, Tomasevic; Marusic, Kuc, Camaj, Jankovic, Vukcevic; Krstovic, Jovetic.
Lithuania: Zubas; Utkus, Klimavicius, Lekiatas; Lasickas, Gineitis, Vorobjovas, Sirvys; Novikovas, Paulauskas, Cernych. 

Montenegro

Montenegro maintains slim mathematical chances of advancing from the group stage, but even the players themselves do not believe in such an outcome. They trail Serbia by 5 points and need to secure maximum points whilst hoping for Serbia's error. The team currently sits with 8 points. The outcome of the last round's match, a 1:3 defeat to Serbia, was crucial. The head coach Miodrag Radulović used the 3-5-2 formation. Montenegrins apply pressing tactics with the ever-reliable Jovetič still posing a scoring threat. Another commendable talent is Marušić, who plays for Italian side, "Lazio".

Lithuania

This qualifier could be a plus for Lithuania – the team won't finish in the last place on the tournament table. The team has 6 points, with a goal difference of 8:12. The team surprisingly secured a draw against Hungary with a 2:2 result in the previous round. Head coach Edgaras Jankauskas used the 4-2-3-1 formation. While Lithuania struggles, recent matches hint at a potential improvement. The team has improved their offensive and disciplinary tactics on defence. Jankauskas has managed to forge a functional unit without shining stars.

Head-to-head meetings

The opponents have played 3 matches, none of which Lithuania won – with 2 defeats and a draw. The first leg ended in a 2:2 draw and was undoubtedly one of the most dramatic matches of the tour. Montenegro took the lead at the 89th minute but conceded a goal in the 4th minute of added time. Fedor Černych was the hero for the hosts that day. 

Montenegro versus Lithuania match prediction

Lithuania, having become one of the main underdogs of European football in recent years, stands no chance of gaining any points. The more name-worthy Montenegro should triumph in Podgorica.

Total number of goals prediction

Montenegro has not showcased a high scoring game in this qualifying cycle, often prioritising defence. The recommended bet is TU.