Odds courtesy of TonyBet.
Serbia vs Netherlands Odds
Soccer betting sites have the Netherlands as a heavy -218 road favorite for Sunday’s clash, while Serbia sits as a +657 underdog. A draw is priced at long +400 odds. The O/U is set at three goals.
These two sides have met 10 times, with the Dutch winning six. Their most recent clash came in the 2006 World Cup, where Arjen Robben scored the winner.
Serbia vs Netherlands Analysis
Serbia couldn't have asked for a much better start to their Nations League opener on Thursday, with Andrija Živković finding the back of the net just four minutes into their clash with Greece. However, the Eagles couldn't keep their foot on the gas pedal. Greece equalized before scoring a late winner to hand Veljko Paunović's men a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat on home soil.
The result continued a difficult stretch for Serbia, who also failed to qualify for the knockout stages at this summer's World Cup. There is still plenty of experience and quality in Paunović's squad, though, particularly with Dušan Tadić back in the fold. Sergej Milinković-Savić and Filip Kostić are also among the familiar names, while Serbia will need other players to step up with two of their biggest attacking threats unavailable, as we’ll discuss in more detail below.
The Netherlands are also looking to turn the page after a disappointing World Cup. Oranje topped their group before their tournament ended abruptly in the Round of 32, with Morocco eliminating them on penalties. Ronald Koeman stepped down, opening the door for former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández to take charge.
Xavi nearly began his tenure with a defeat on Thursday. Germany led for most of the night in Amsterdam, but Cody Gakpo produced the goods in stoppage time, scoring in the 92nd minute to secure a 1-1 draw. Brian Brobbey had started up front but was forced off after just 35 minutes, with Mexx Meerdink taking his place.
The Netherlands have undergone some changes under Xavi, but the squad still has plenty of established quality. The likes of Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders, Denzel Dumfries and Virgil van Dijk give Oranje an impressive core as they search for their first victory under their new boss. Serbia have historically struggled in this matchup, and they will have their hands full in Belgrade on Sunday.
Serbia vs Netherlands Injury News
Serbia are without two major attacking pieces. All-time leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrović remains sidelined with an MCL injury, while Dušan Vlahović is also unavailable through injury. Nikola Milenković is another notable absentee, leaving Paunović short-handed at both ends of the pitch.
The Netherlands entered the international window without Donyell Malen and Justin Kluivert after both withdrew through injury, and Brobbey has now joined them on the sidelines. Joshua Zirkzee was called up as his replacement.
Serbia vs Netherlands Picks
The Serbs have minimal players to rely on in the final third without Vlahovic and Mitrovic, and the Netherlands are one of the best teams in the world. With the moneyline offering minimal value, I’ll take the visitors to win, and keep a clean sheet on Sunday. Serbia shouldn’t pose much of a threat going forward.
Pick: Netherlands win to nil +143/TonyBet
