Serbia host the Netherlands in a Nations League Group A2 clash in Belgrade on Sunday, with the Dutch chasing a first win under Xavi Hernandez and a wounded Serbia already up against it after an opening defeat to Greece.
Anthony Eadson’s Serbia vs Netherlands predictions, best bets and score prediction are below.
Premium Tips
Anthony Eadson backs Cody Gakpo to strike again, with a Belgrade draw the value.
| Premium Tip | Odds | Why we’re backing it |
|---|---|---|
| Cody Gakpo to score anytime | 5/4 (bet365) | Cody Gakpo scored the stoppage-time equaliser against Germany on Thursday and has now scored in his last two competitive internationals. He also takes penalties, scoring three from the spot in 2025 qualifying, and with Memphis Depay left out and Donyell Malen and Justin Kluivert withdrawn, the Dutch attack runs through him. Serbia have conceded in five straight games. Bet365’s 5/4 looks a fair price for a player in scoring form. |
| Draw | 7/2 (bet365) | The Netherlands have drawn three of their last five games, 2-2 with Japan, 1-1 with Morocco and 1-1 with Germany on Thursday, and they have conceded in six straight matches. Serbia led Greece until the 74th minute and outshot them 14-10 in Belgrade, so they can make this competitive at home. Bet365’s 7/2 is a big price against a Dutch side yet to find their rhythm under Xavi. |
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How Serbia go into the game
Serbia opened their Nations League campaign with a 1-2 home defeat to Greece, Andrija Zivkovic’s early goal undone by a late Greek comeback.
Veljko Paunovic is without the injured Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dusan Vlahovic and Nikola Milenkovic, though the returning Dusan Tadic adds experience.
How Netherlands go into the game
The Netherlands began the group with a 1-1 draw against Germany, Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time strike earning a point on Xavi Hernandez’s competitive debut.
Still without the injured Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch avoided defeat on Xavi’s debut but have yet to convince, and will target a first win in Belgrade.
Serbia vs Netherlands head-to-head
This is the first meeting between the sides since the 2006 World Cup, when Arjen Robben’s goal gave the Netherlands a 1-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro in Leipzig. The Dutch have won the last three meetings with Serbia and its predecessors, including a 6-1 thrashing of Yugoslavia at Euro 2000.
Serbia vs Netherlands predictions & betting tips
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Gakpo to score anytime | 5/4 (bet365) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Scored in his last two internationals. |
| Draw | 7/2 (bet365) | ⭐⭐ | The Dutch have drawn three of their last five. |
| Both teams to score | 5/6 (bet365) | ⭐⭐ | Both sides have conceded in every recent game. |
Serbia vs Netherlands score prediction
Shorn of their main strikers, Serbia will battle at home, and a Netherlands side still finding their feet under Xavi could be held. Expect Gakpo to score in a share of the spoils. Score prediction: Serbia 1-1 Netherlands.
