Will Serbia Concede Again? Serbia vs Netherlands Prediction
The second-round UEFA Nations League clash between Serbia and the Netherlands will take place on September 27 at the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade. Neither team has won in the new campaign so far: Serbia opened with a defeat to Greece, while the Netherlands drew with Germany in their first match under their new coach.
Serbia: losing streak and defensive problems
Serbia began the tournament with a frustrating defeat to Greece. Andrija Živković opened the scoring in just the fourth minute, but after the break the visitors turned the game around through goals from Christos Tzolis and Anastasios Douvikas.
It was the team's third consecutive defeat, including friendly matches against Cape Verde and Mexico. Even more worrying is Serbia's defensive form: the team have failed to keep a clean sheet in 10 straight matches, while Veljko Paunović has won just two of his seven games in charge.
The Netherlands: Xavi begins with a draw against Germany
The Netherlands are going through their first international window under Xavi, who replaced Ronald Koeman. In the new coach's debut, the team drew 1-1 with Germany: after conceding in the first half, the Oranje stepped up significantly and equalized in stoppage time through Cody Gakpo.
Since the start of June, the Netherlands have gone six consecutive matches without losing in regulation time — three wins and three draws. The team look more stable than Serbia and head to Belgrade on the back of more convincing results.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Serbia have lost their last three matches.
- The hosts have failed to keep a clean sheet in 10 consecutive matches.
- The Netherlands are unbeaten in regulation time in six consecutive matches.
Serbia's defense under serious pressure again: prediction for Serbia vs. the Netherlands
Serbia remain dangerous going forward even without the injured Dušan Vlahović, but their current defensive form is far too unstable. The problem is particularly evident in the closing stages, when the team regularly lose concentration and allow opponents to create decisive chances.
The Netherlands are still adapting under Xavi, but they already showed against Germany that they can raise their level as a match progresses. Given the visitors' more consistent form and Serbia's prolonged defensive problems, the advantage here appears to be with the Oranje.
