By OkayGoal
Netherlands
04 Oct 2026
19:45
Serbia
The Netherlands welcome Serbia to a League A Group 2 fixture on 4 October 2026, with both sides desperate to kickstart their Nations League campaigns. Neither team has yet tasted victory in the 2026/27 edition, lending this encounter genuine urgency. For the Dutch, it represents only the second competitive outing under new head coach Xavi Hernández, while Serbia’s Veljko Paunovic faces mounting scrutiny after a difficult run of results. With relegation implications and quarter-final aspirations both in play, the stakes could hardly be higher.
1: Netherlands to win
Match Analysis
The Netherlands enter this Nations League fixture as clear favorites at 1.17, backed by a formidable attacking record of 3.0 goals per game across their last 10 competitive matches and an unbeaten run in competitive normal time since October 2024.
- 3.0 goals per game scored in their last 10 competitive matches, the highest in this fixture.
- 10.0 shots on target per match in this Nations League campaign, dwarfing Serbia’s 4.0.
- Unbeaten in nine wins and eight draws in competitive normal time since October 2024.
- Core creative spine of Gakpo, Reijnders, and Gravenberch fully intact despite Brobbey’s absence.
Serbia arrive at 13.00 under serious pressure, having lost four of their last six competitive matches and conceding a 95th-minute winner against Greece in their Nations League opener, with coach Paunovic recording just two wins in seven games.
- No clean sheet in 10 consecutive international matches, a chronic defensive vulnerability.
- Vlahovic confirmed out with a calf injury, leaving Jovic as the sole frontline option.
- Four defeats in last six competitive matches signal a squad low on form and morale.
Key point: Given Serbia’s inability to keep clean sheets and the Dutch attacking volume, 2.00 offers a compelling complementary angle to the home win prediction.
Form & Statistics: Netherlands vs Serbia
Netherlands
Recent form
DWWDW
Wins3/5 (60%)
Draws2/5 (40%)
Losses0/5 (0%)
Season statistics (5)
0Total goals
0%Both teams score
0Goals scored
0Goals conceded
Serbia
Recent form
LL
Wins0/2 (0%)
Draws0/2 (0%)
Losses2/2 (100%)
Season statistics (2)
0Total goals
0%Both teams score
0Goals scored
0Goals conceded
Netherlands
4-3-3
Starters
- 1 Bart Verbruggen
- 2 Denzel Dumfries
- 3 Jan Paul van Hecke
- 4 Virgil van Dijk
- 5 Micky van de Ven
- 6 Joey Veerman
- 7 Ryan Gravenberch
- 8 Tijjani Reijnders
- 9 Crysencio Summerville
- 10 Mexx Meerdink
- 11 Cody Gakpo
Bench
- Quinten Timber
- Ruben van Bommel
- Joshua Zirkzee
Absent
- Brian Brobbey (Injury (pulled out of squad))
Serbia
4-4-2
Starters
- 1 Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
- 2 Nikola Simic
- 3 Strahinja Erakovic
- 4 Strahinja Pavlovic
- 5 Filip Kostic
- 6 Andrija Zivkovic
- 7 Nemanja Maksimovic
- 8 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
- 9 Sasa Lukic
- 10 Luka Jovic
- 11 Dusan Tadic
Absent
- Dusan Vlahovic (Calf injury)
Low confidence
Both lineups carry a speculative caveat, with Serbia’s formation drawn from a single source and therefore the less reliable of the two. A 4-3-3 against a 4-4-2 shapes up as a contest between Dutch positional fluidity and Serbian defensive compactness, with Virgil van Dijk anchoring the home backline.
For the visitors, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will be central to any ambition of disrupting Dutch rhythm in midfield. Until both managers confirm their selections closer to kickoff, treat these probable shapes as informed projections rather than settled fact.
Our Verdict
The Netherlands look strong favourites at 1.17 and that is where our selection lands. The Dutch are averaging three goals per match across their last ten competitive outings, while Serbia have failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous ten internationals. Xavi Hernández’s side remain unbeaten in competitive action since October 2024, a run spanning seventeen matches. Serbia, by contrast, have lost five of seven under Veljko Paunovic. Over 2.5 goals at 1.36 also appeals given the hosts’ prolific scoring record and Serbia’s defensive fragility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Netherlands vs Serbia?
A Netherlands win is the standout selection here. The Dutch are averaging 3.0 goals per match across their last ten competitive fixtures, while Serbia have lost four of their last six and are without the injured Dusan Vlahovic. With the home side’s creative spine of Gakpo, Reijnders, and Gravenberch intact, backing the Oranje at 1.17 represents clear value.
What time does Netherlands vs Serbia kick off?
This UEFA Nations League fixture kicks off at 18:45 UTC on Sunday, 4th October 2026. The match will be played in the Netherlands, with the exact venue to be confirmed by the Dutch Football Association. Check local listings to convert the kickoff time to your own time zone.
Where can I watch Netherlands vs Serbia on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for this UEFA Nations League fixture will vary depending on your territory. In the United Kingdom, coverage is typically shared between Channel 4 and Sky Sports. Viewers elsewhere should consult their local sports broadcaster or streaming provider for confirmation of live television rights in their region.
What is Netherlands’ recent record against Serbia?
The head-to-head record between these two sides is relatively limited in recent years. The Netherlands and Serbia have met on a handful of occasions in competitive and friendly fixtures, with the Dutch generally holding the upper hand. Serbia’s current defensive frailties, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last ten internationals, do little to alter that historical pattern.