High-flying Montenegro can all but secure the second place in the group with another win over Bulgaria, having already beaten them in Sofia, whereas the visitors have got to win this game in order to remain in contention for the second place in the group. All things considered, we should see a very interesting match at packed Stadion Pod Goricom.

Montenegro flying high

Having debuted in FIFA competitions in the World Cup 2010 qualifiers, nobody expected too much of Montenegro in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, especially as they were placed in a very difficult group alongside England, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Montenegro. However, Zlatko Kranjcar’s side largely impressed at the start of the campaign, beating Wales, Bulgaria and Switzerland before holding on to a goalless draw at Wembley, thus proving they definitely have the quality to fight for the place at the final tournament. The most impressive thing about this side is that they have yet to conceded a goal in these qualifiers, so there is no doubt that Bulgaria face a tough task in Podgorica. The atmosphere surrounding the national team is at an all time high, with fans creating a great atmosphere in the last training session, so we can definitely expect Montenegro to be fired up by the big support from the stands.

Simon Vukcevic, Branko Boskovic, Milan Dzudovic and Milan Jovanovic are unavailable, but Ivan Fatic, Stevan Jovetic and Nikola Drincic return to the side.

Bulgaria in problems

There was a time when Bulgaria were considered to be one of the leading European sides, but one look at team’s latest results will tell you that the time has long gone. The poor atmosphere surrounding the national team is making things difficult for coach Lothar Matthaus and the players, with Dimitar Berbatov’s decision to retire from international football the perfect proof. Now new boss has clashed with forward Valeri Bojinov, who has since been dropped form the squad, meaning that the squad is now weaker than ever. Stanislav Manolev, Stiliyan Petrov and Martin Petrov are the only notable players in the squad, whereas the big part of the squad plies their trade in weak Bulgaria league. This is why the poor result in the Euro 2012 qualifiers are by no means a surprise and after losing at home to Montenegro, Bulgaria don’t look capable of bettering that result in Podgorica.

Blagoy Georgiev is suspended, but Brazilian midfielder Marquinos has been cleared to play for Bulgaria.

Verdict

Quality, form, atmosphere, team spirit and home field advantage are all on Montenegro’s side, so everything but a home win would be considered a surprise here. Bulgaria will try to return to the running for the second place with a win in Podgorica, but they clearly lack the quality to do so.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 2.00 (1/1)

Bookmaker: 188BET