All roads lead the same way for Bosnia and Herzegovina as Germany made sure they would get relegated to League B again. The Netherlands may be more forgiving after they secured their playoff spot last weekend.
Bosnia did not betray their traditions. After being promoted to League A in the previous edition, the team will once again play in the lower level of the competition after accumulating a single point in five rounds.
In fact, their 7-0 defeat to Germany was their ninth defeat in the last 10 matches and their only two wins in the previous 15 came against Liechtenstein. Their home form doesn’t show anything better and they lost the last five fixtures in a row.
The Netherlands are in no way a lesser challenge, although their business in this group stage is done as well. The 4-0 win over Hungary relieved the tension that was built after the three-game winless run and confirmed their progression to the quarter-finals.
Ronald Koeman will have no reason to play his best 11 and we should see some young talent in the Dutch squad. This doesn’t mean that they will not come out blasting and secure the final three points but at least Bosnia & Herzegovina will not have to defend for 90 minutes straight.
How the bookies view it: An action-packed exit
Even with all the expected alterations in the Dutch squad, the visitors are a massive betting favourite. Betano gave them just 7/20 to win on Tuesday, while the home side sits at 8/1. Lastly, you can opt for the draw at 41/10.
Recent head-to-head: Crushing stats
Fans of the Dutch side have nothing to worry about, as the team remains undefeated against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Netherlands won the last two fixtures with 5-2 and 3-1 but failed to score in their previous trip to Zenica (0-0).
Players to watch: Dzeko one more time?
Ermedin Demirovic hopes to bring some of his club form into the international stage and score against the Netherlands again. Edin Dzeko is the only other viable option in Bosnia’s squad, and these two scored the two goals in the reverse fixture. More importantly, Dzeko didn’t make the starting line-up against Germany, so we expect to see him play the full 90 minutes.
As for the Dutch side, we really need to see the official line-up before we choose our favourites. Koeman won’t risk his best in a match with nothing at stake.
Probable line-ups
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Vasilj, Dedic, Katic, Bicakcic, Barisic, Burnic, Tahirovic, Huseinbasic, Hajradinovic, Dzeko, Demirovic
Netherlands: Flekken, Rensch, De Ligt, De Vrij, Hato, Wieffer, Timber, Frimpong, Koopmeiners, Lang, Brobbey
Anything else catch the eye?
The Netherlands will want to end the group stage on a high, especially with the tough fixtures ahead. Even with a brand-new squad, the level of the Dutch side is incomparable to the far more humble Bosnian team.
Given how easily the German team split them open again and again, we expect another Over on Tuesday, and there are plenty of betting options.
This UEFA Nations League match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and The Netherlands will be played on Nov 19, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Bosnia and Herzegovina vs The Netherlands prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
