Serbia's defending has been awful in this UNL campaign, allowing 84 shots in three games and registering three defeats. I am predicting Oranje to score in both halves and earn a commanding win on Sunday.
Key Stats
- Netherlands have scored 17 goals in their last 7 matches.
- Netherlands have scored in both halves against Serbia last weekend.
- Serbia have lost their last 5 matches.
- Serbia have conceded in both halves in 4 of their last 5 matches.
Oranje Won Last Two H2H Meetings
These two nations locked horns just twice since Serbia became an independent country and the Netherlands won on both occasions.
Hosts are Unbeaten
The Netherlands started the new UNL 2026 campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Germany where they missed a lot of chances before Cody Gakpo found an equalizer in the 92nd minute. This was also Xavi's debut as the new national coach.
The first victory under his leadership was earned last weekend in Belgrade, beating Serbia 2-1 with Mexx Meerdink netting a brace in his first start for Oranje.
They were in trouble against Greece on Thursday, trailing by two goals at half-time but then recovered and snatched a point in a 2-2 draw. Virgil van Dijk scored a header in the 59th minute, while Tijjani Reijnders landed a volley shot just before stoppage time to set the final score.
Awful Start for the Eagles
Serbia are having a disastrous run in the Nations League 2026 and their national coach Veljko Paunovic is in danger of losing his job after three consecutive defeats.
After they scored an early goal in the opening match through Andrija Zivkovic, Serbia lost that encounter to Greece 2-1 at home, then the same scoreline was recorded in the follow up clash against the Netherlands.
On Thursday, the Eagles faced Germany and lost 2-0 while ending the clash with 0.01-3.81 expected goals, 26% possession and 1-32 in shots.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Netherlands (4-2-3-1) Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Jurrien Timber, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven; Joey Veerman, Ryan Gravenberch; Crysencio Summerville, Tijjani Reijnders, Noa Lang; Mexx Meerdink
Netherlands have to make squad adjustments following injuries to attacking duo Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey. AZ Alkmaar's Mexx Meerdink is likely to lead the attack once again.
Netherlands have to make squad adjustments following injuries to attacking duo Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey. AZ Alkmaar's Mexx Meerdink is likely to lead the attack once again.
Serbia (5-4-1) Vanja Milinkovic-Savic; Kosta Nedeljkovic, Strahinja Erakovic, Nemanja Gudelj, Srdjan Babic, Filip Kostic; Andrija Zivkovic, Nemanja Maksimovic, Stefan Dzodic, Dusan Tadic; Luka Jovic
Visitors have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match. Veteran Dusan Tadic is likely to start here, Paunovic relying on him to create some chances.