Netherlands vs Serbia – News and Probable Lineups

The Netherlands will be seeking their second victory in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League when they face Serbia on Sunday evening.

Xavi’s team is currently positioned second in Group 2 of League A, accumulating five points from their first three matches, while Serbia sits at the bottom of the group with no points.

Match overview

The Netherlands began their campaign for the 2026-27 Nations League with a 1-1 draw against Germany, followed by a 2-1 win over Serbia in their second match on September 27.

Xavi’s side will head into this fixture after a 2-2 draw against Greece, where they managed to equalize after being down by two goals. They currently sit second in Group 2 of League A, trailing the leaders Greece by two points following three matches.

The Netherlands will take on Greece at home and Germany away in their two matches scheduled for November, emphasizing the significance of securing all three points in this clash.

Historically, the Netherlands have only faced Serbia once before, which was in the reverse fixture of this group, resulting in a 2-1 triumph for Xavi’s squad.

In previous editions, the Netherlands were runners-up in the 2018-19 Nations League and finished fourth in 2023, with only three losses in their last 26 matches in this competition.

On the other hand, Serbia has struggled in the 2026-27 Nations League, experiencing three consecutive defeats, which places them last in the group.

The Eagles started their campaign with a 2-1 loss at home to Greece and then suffered a 2-1 defeat against the Netherlands towards the end of September.

Veljko Paunovic’s team will enter this match following a 2-0 defeat to Germany and are currently on a five-match losing streak across all competitions.

Serbia has not won since their 2-1 friendly victory against Saudi Arabia in late March, and it has been nearly a year since their last competitive win, which came in a World Cup qualifying match against Latvia in November 2025.

Netherlands Nations League form:

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Netherlands form (all competitions):

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Serbia Nations League form:

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Serbia form (all competitions):

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Team News

The Netherlands’ head coach Xavi is anticipated to implement three changes to his starting XI for the Nations League match against Serbia on Sunday.

Ryan Gravenberch and Noa Lang are both expected to be included in the lineup due to their outstanding performances last time, as is Tijjani Reijnders, who scored the late equalizer against Greece.

Mexx Meerdink has netted twice in his initial two appearances for the Netherlands and is likely to spearhead the attack once more.

Notable absentees in the final third for the Netherlands include Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey, both of whom are sidelined due to injuries.

Regarding Serbia, the visitors have reported no injury issues ahead of this match, and it is unlikely there will be any unexpected changes in their starting lineup.

Luka Jovic, who has scored 12 goals for the national team, is expected to play a key role in the attacking line.

Additionally, Nemanja Maksimovic and Nemanja Gudelj are anticipated to be critical starters for the visitors in their clash with the Netherlands.

Netherlands probable starting XI:

Bridge; Dumfries, J Timber, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Veerman, Gravenberch; Summerville, Reijnders, Long; Meerdink

Serbia probable starting XI:

Petkovic; Nedeljkovic, Erakovic, Gudelj, Babic, Kostic; Zivkovic, Maksimovic, Dzodic, Tadic; Jovic

Given Serbia’s current difficulties, it is challenging to support them. We anticipate the Netherlands will emerge victorious and secure all three points in this Nations League encounter.