World Cup 2018: A comprehensive look at Group E

#4 Serbia

Despite having a lot of popular players, Serbia are surprisingly not favorites to go into the RO16

Serbia might not be the best team at this tournament, but they are the tallest squad (average height of 185.6 cm) and if that isn't something to be proud of, I don't know what is.

Their height will be their biggest advantage of all, but in a stacked group, the chances of them getting out are not too good.

Serbia qualified for the WC as winners of their European qualification group, ahead of the Republic of Ireland and even Wales. Serbia has an on-off relationship with the cup, and after missing out in 2014, this will be their comeback into the WC.

Coach: Mladen Krstajic

This is where Serbia's biggest trouble is. Muslin, the manager who was responsible for getting Serbia qualified to Russia was sacked by their FA and Krstajic who was on the coaching team was promoted as head coach.

The sad thing is that Krstajic hasn't had a lot of time to get things sorted out and the WC will be his first competitive fixture with the team.

Not many are confident about a brand-new manager at the WC, but some are optimistic that beginner's luck might swing the tides in his favor.

Serbia's squad for the World Cup

Under the new manager, it is not clear as to who will play and in what role, but a 4-2-3-1 with Stojkovic as the keeper is expected to be played.

The back-line has a fantastic mix of maturity and experience, with Kolarov and Ivanovic as part of the old guard.

Partnering them will be Rukavina and Milenkovic/Spajic. Kolarov will be coming on the back of one of his best seasons at AS Roma, and will be looking to get forward at every turn.

Ivanovic and Rukavina are on the other side of the old spectrum, and this might be their last appearance at the WC. Granted they have the experience, but the question is if they can withstand attacks from much younger and faster opponents.

The midfield is one of the more stacked ones in this edition, and Serbia has a few match-winners in their own right. Manchester United's Nemanja Matic will take on his familiar role of DM once more, alongside Crystal Palace's Milivojevic - both of whom have had fantastic seasons in the PL.

Playing as the number 10 will be Lazio's Milinkovic-Savic, another player who is coming on the back of an excellent season. He is heavily on United's radar, and what bigger stage than this do you need to show your future employers that you have what it takes?

Assisting him from the wings are Southampton's Tadic and Hamburg's Kostic, with more -ic's around them to make things happen. Playing as the lone striker will be Fulham's golden boy Mitrovic.

On loan from Newcastle, Mitrovic has turned into something of a fan favourite at Fulham already, and Fulham would like to bring him in on a full-time basis.

This WC could not have come at a better time for the Serbian, as a good performance here will definitely improve his cult following.

Lazio and Serbia's dynamo in midfield

Player to watch out for: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

It was a close call between Mitrovic and him, but SMS (for want of a shorter name) is one of the most promising players right now, and has the necessary orchestra around him to make Serbia do more than they are expected to.

At 6'3", Milinkovic-Savic is as intimidating as he is hard to pronounce. If reports are to be believed, the reason that led to the sacking of the previous coach was his lack of use of him during the qualifiers, and it is safe to say that Krstajic will make more than enough use.

Seriously, how good do you have to be to get your coach sacked for not playing you?