Iceland are looking to get back on track after the end of their golden generation but face a tough UEFA Nations League group, starting with a visit from Montenegro.
With Wales and Turkey also in Group B4, Iceland will do well to finish in the top two but they have a wily tactician in the dugout in the shape of Age Hareiede.
The 70-year-old has previously bossed both Norway and Denmark so he knows what it takes to get results at this level. But Iceland no longer the possess the quality of player that helped them make history by reaching Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.
They haven't qualified for a major finals since then and Montenegro will provide a stiff test in their Nations League opener. The Montenegrins finished third in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, ahead of Lithuania and Bulgaria, and are a team that seems to be on the rise.
They could ruffle a few feathers in this group and it will be interesting to see how both teams fare in this opening exchange.
How the bookies view it: Montenegro to slip up on the Ice
This tie is a tough one to call but Betfred make Iceland favourites at evens with home advantage. Montenegro look too big for me at 12/5 while the draw is a little shorter at 11/5.
Recent head to head: Montenegrins back for second helpings
These sides have only faced off once since Montenegro became an independent nation following the collapse of Yugoslavia. That was a friendly back in 2012 and it was Montenegro who won 2-1 at home.
Players to watch: Gylfi back in the fold
Veteran playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson is back in the Iceland squad after sitting out the last eight games. The former Spurs and Everton star is his nation's record scorer and he's 3/1 to cap his return with a goal.
Stevan Jovetic has been Montenegro's main man but the veteran is now without a club after leaving Olympiacos. With him yet to play a club game this season I would be surprised if manager Robert Prosinecki threw the 34-year-old in from the start here.
So it might be better backing rising star Nikola Krstovic for a goal. The Leece forward has three goals in 18 caps and is 3/1 for anytime scorer.
Probable line-ups
Iceland: Valdimarsson, Palsson, Hermannsson, Tomasson, Sampsted, Berg Gudmundsson, G Sigurdsson, A Sigurdsson, Porsteinsson, Haraldsson, Oskarsson
Montenegro: Petkovic, Savic, Marusic, Rubezic, Radunovic, Vukotic, Jovovic, Bakic, Krstovic, Mugosa, Osmajic.
Anything else catch the eye?
This has the potential to be a close game with not much between the teams in terms of quality. That makes the half-time draw a decent option and it pays 11/10 with Betfred.
Both teams have some good players in attack so it bodes well for goals at both ends. BTTS pays just 5/6 but over 2.5 goals is better at 11/10. Combining those bets in a bet builder takes you to 7/5.
None of Montenegro's last five competitive games has seen over 10 corners so backing under 10 flag kicks could pay off in this match at evens with Bet365.
This UEFA Nations League match between Iceland and Montenegro will be played on Sep 6, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Iceland vs Montenegro prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
