Netherlands vs Germany Prediction: Team News, Lineups & Nations League Preview

UEFA Nations League  -  Netherlands VS Germany
Match Time:25-09-2026 02:45 Friday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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The Netherlands will host Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Thursday in the opening round of the UEFA Nations League. Both teams enter the new campaign under new managers, with Xavi taking charge of the Netherlands and Jurgen Klopp beginning his reign with Germany. The two sides are joined by Serbia and Greece in League A Group 2, with the top two progressing to the quarter-finals.

Team Analysis:
The Netherlands are entering a new era under Xavi, who has been appointed as the country's first foreign head coach since 1978. The former Barcelona midfielder wants to introduce a more attacking, possession-oriented style after Ronald Koeman's departure following the Netherlands' World Cup exit. Despite losing to Morocco on penalties in the last 32, the Dutch went unbeaten over 90 minutes in all four World Cup matches.

The Oranje also have an impressive record at home. They have lost only once in Amsterdam since October 2023, recording 11 wins and four draws during that period. However, Germany have proven to be a difficult opponent in recent meetings, remaining unbeaten in their last four encounters with the Netherlands, including two wins and two draws.

Germany are also starting a new chapter under Klopp. The former Liverpool manager has been appointed to replace Julian Nagelsmann and will be looking to rebuild confidence following Germany's disappointing World Cup campaign. Die Mannschaft lost their final two matches at the tournament and could now go three games without a victory for the first time since September last year.

Despite that recent form, Germany have a strong record away against European opposition. They have lost just once in their last nine such away matches, while they have scored in each of their last 13 internationals. That attacking consistency could make this a difficult opening assignment for Xavi's Netherlands.

Player Situation:
The Netherlands will be without several important players. Donyell Malen and Justin Kluivert have withdrawn because of injuries, while Mats Wieffer, Matthijs de Ligt and Xavi Simons are also unavailable. Frenkie de Jong, Martin de Roon and Jerdy Schouten will not feature during this international break, while Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst were not included in Xavi's first squad.

Virgil van Dijk remains captain and is expected to anchor the defence alongside Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven. In midfield, Teun Koopmeiners, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders could form the starting trio, while Brian Brobbey is expected to lead the attack after scoring a hat-trick for Sunderland against Manchester City last weekend.

Germany have also made significant changes under Klopp. Florian Wirtz, Karim Adeyemi, Nick Woltemade, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Said El Mala are unavailable for this match after being placed in the second squad, while Leon Goretzka and Deniz Undav are absent through injury.

Joshua Kimmich is expected to move back into central midfield, with Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck likely to start in defence. Kai Havertz could lead the attack, with Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl and Kevin Schade among the attacking options.

Result Prediction:
This match brings together two teams undergoing major changes, making the outcome particularly difficult to predict. The Netherlands have the advantage of playing at home and possess an excellent record in Amsterdam, while Germany have enjoyed the better recent head-to-head record.

Both sides also have enough attacking quality to create problems. The Netherlands will look to control possession under Xavi, while Klopp's Germany should attempt to play with greater intensity and directness.

With neither team likely to dominate for the full 90 minutes, a high-scoring draw appears possible. Sports Mole also expects the two sides to share the points.

Prediction: Netherlands 2-2 Germany