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Xavi will lead his Netherlands side out for the second time on Sunday, when the Dutch face hosts Serbia at Stadion Rajko Mitic in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League A.
Netherlands drew 1-1 with Germany on Thursday in their opening Nations League clash and are third with one point, whereas Serbia lost 2-1 to Greece on the same day and are last in fourth with no points.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Serbia vs Netherlands key stats
- Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo has produced seven goals and assists in his last seven competitive games.
- Serbia have conceded at least three goals in three of their past five games.
- Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk had a goal ruled out for offside against Germany.
Serbia vs Netherlands preview: A positive point for Xavi?
Serbia vs Netherlands — Tale of the Tape
| Serbia | vs | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 3rd |
| 0 | Points | 1 |
| 1 | Goals For | 1 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 1 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 4th | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
Serbia's opening game of their Nations League campaign was disappointing due to the fact they had taken a fourth-minute lead, only to concede in the 74th and 95th minutes.
Boss Veljko Paunovic will be alarmed by the fact his side have lost each of their last three games, as well as seven of their past 10 matches in all competitions.
A win for Serbia would be their third in four clashes at home, though a defeat would be their fourth in six fixtures as the hosts.
Serbia know they will be without centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic, so expect to see their attack consist of Dusan Tadic and Luka Jovic on Sunday.
Netherlands began their new era under Xavi, who oversaw a 1-1 stalemate with Germany in their opening Nations League clash on Thursday.
The Dutch would have lost had it not been for Cody Gakpo's stoppage-time equaliser, though a draw was ultimately a fair result.
Many supporters have become disillusioned with the national team in recent years due to the perceived underperformance of coaches like Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman and Frank de Boer, so there is hope that Xavi can implement a more successful style of play.
Unfortunately for the head coach, striker Brian Brobbey was forced off against Germany due to a suspected hamstring injury, and he is set for a period on the sidelines.
As such, expect to see Mexx Meerdink lead the visitors' attack on Sunday, while Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville are likely to support the forward.
Serbia vs Netherlands preview form guide & betting tips
| Serbia | vs | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| L | Nations League Form | D |
| 0 | Points | 1 |
| N/A | Form Table | N/A |
| 1 | Goals For | 1 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 1 |
|
L
W
L
L
L
|
Form (All Comps) |
D
W
W
L
D
|
Whispers predicts: Serbia 0-3 Netherlands
The bookmakers hold no confidence in Serbia, and they have priced a Netherlands victory at 21/50 (1.42).
Netherlands forward Gakpo has produced seven goals and assists in his last seven competitive games, and that makes a starting bet of Cody Gakpo to Score or Assist at 8/13 (1.62) sensible.
Given Serbia have conceded at least three goals in three of their past five games, it would make sense to back Netherlands to Score Over 2.5 Goals at 11/8 (2.38).
Captain Virgil van Dijk had a goal ruled out for offside against Germany, but his aerial prowess from set pieces could make predicting Virgil van Dijk to Score at 12/1 (13) a value bet.
> Cody Gakpo to Score or Assist at 8/13 (1.62) | Likelihood: Probable
> Netherlands to Score Over 2.5 Goals at 11/8 (2.38) | Likelihood: Possible
> Virgil van Dijk to Score at 12/1 (13) | Likelihood: Outsider