Serbia get another chance against Netherlands only one week after losing 2–1 in Belgrade. The first meeting was closer than many expected, but the return fixture in Eindhoven comes at a difficult time for a Serbian side that have now lost five matches in a row.

Netherlands fought back against Greece

Netherlands were two goals behind against Greece on Thursday but recovered to secure a 2–2 draw. Virgil van Dijk started the comeback before Tijjani Reijnders scored the equaliser late in the match.

The result kept Xavi’s team second in the group with five points, two behind Greece. With Germany also involved in the battle for the top two places, Netherlands cannot afford to drop points against the bottom side.

Their performance in Greece was far from perfect, particularly during the first half. However, the reaction after falling behind showed the attacking quality available in the Dutch squad.

Netherlands have scored in all three Nations League matches and should control most of the possession against Serbia.

Serbia have lost five in a row

Serbia have endured a difficult start to the competition. They have lost all three group matches, conceding twice against Greece, Netherlands and Germany.

The 2–0 defeat against Germany on Thursday extended their losing run to five matches in all competitions. Serbia have not won a competitive match since beating Latvia in November 2025.

They caused Netherlands some problems when the teams met in Belgrade last week, but still suffered a 2–1 defeat. Serbia now face the same opponent away from home with little time to make changes.

Luka Jović and Dušan Tadić provide experience in attack, but Serbia have struggled to create enough chances. They have scored only twice in their three Nations League matches.

Netherlands have several important absences

Netherlands are missing a number of attacking players. Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey, Donyell Malen, Justin Kluivert and Xavi Simons are among those unavailable.

Those absences make the larger handicaps more difficult to trust, but the hosts still have enough quality to dominate this match. Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders and Joey Veerman give Netherlands control in midfield, while Noa Lang and Crysencio Summerville can cause problems from wide positions.

Mexx Meerdink has also made an impressive start to his international career, scoring twice in his first two appearances.

The match will be particularly important for Van Dijk, who is expected to make his 100th appearance for Netherlands. The captain will want a better defensive performance after his side conceded twice in Greece.

Netherlands have the chance to pull away

A Netherlands victory is priced at only 1.17, so there is little reason to back the hosts at that price. Netherlands -1.5 Asian Handicap at 1.50 is more appealing and requires a home victory by at least two goals.

Serbia have already conceded twice in each of their three group matches. They were beaten 2–0 by Germany only three days ago and must now face another strong opponent away from home.

The reverse fixture finished 2–1, but Netherlands controlled long periods of the match. Playing in Eindhoven should give them a better opportunity to turn that control into a more comfortable victory.

Verdict

The Dutch injury list is a concern, but Serbia’s form is even harder to ignore. The visitors have lost five consecutive matches and have struggled to create chances throughout the competition.

Serbia may keep the match close during the opening stages, but Netherlands should eventually find a way through. A 2–0 or 3–0 home victory looks realistic.

Tip

Netherlands -1.5 Asian Handicap