The Netherlands are set to take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, 7 September.
Both teams are in League A of the tournament this time around which means they are in contention to win the entire Nations League so motivation will be high for both clubs.
It will be the first time that the Netherlands have played since losing in the Euro 2024 semi-finals to England while it's Bosnia's first outing since early June.
How the bookies view it: Netherlands go in as heavy favourites
Bosnia and Herzegovina are major underdogs coming into this fixture and understandably so when you consider there are 68 spaces between the two nations in the FIFA World Rankings. Betfred have priced a victory for the Netherlands at 2/11 while a win for Bosnia and Herzegovina has been priced at 14/1. The draw, which would be a brilliant outcome for the visitors, has been priced at 6/1.
Recent head-to-head: Unfamiliar foes
The Netherlands and Bosnia and Herzegovina have only met twice before with the two nations being drawn together in the 2020 edition of the Nations League. Back then, Bosnia managed to draw 0-0 with the Netherlands at home before succumbing to a 3-1 loss away from home.
Players to watch: Changing of the Dutch guard
Ronald Koeman has been ruthless in the wake of the Netherlands' semi-final defeat at Euro 2024. The former Barcelona manager is looking to usher in a new era with the national team and has informed the experienced midfield duo, Georginio Wijnaldum and Marten de Roon that they will no longer be considered for selection.
At the top of the pitch, Koeman has also axed Memphis Depay as he is yet to find a new club and Steven Bergwijn due to his decision to join the Saudi Pro League. As a result, it's an international break of opportunity for several young Dutch forwards including Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee.
The 23-year-old has already scored for his new club but put in a disappointing display against Liverpool last time out. Zirkzee wasn't well fancied by Koeman at Euro 2024 and could still be ousted by Wout Weghorst, another man who has experience of missing big chances at Old Trafford.
Predicted line-ups
As mentioned, there's been a cull in the Dutch ranks with Koeman keen to ensure that things are kept fresh ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign. He's also had to contend with a couple of injury problems as Micky van de Ven and Joey Veerman have both pulled out of the current squad.
Bosnia's starting XI will feature some familiar names with record goalscorer Edin Dzeko still expected to lead the line despite now being 38-year-old.
Netherlands: Verbruggen – Dumfries, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake – Schouten, Gravenberch – Malen, Simons, Gakpo – Zirkzee
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Piric – Radeljic, Ahmedhodzic, Katic, Bicakcic, Kolasinac – Gigovic, Tahirovic, Krunic, Hajradinovic – Dzeko
Anything else catch the eye?
The Netherlands have kept a clean sheet in their last four matches played on home soil which doesn't bode well for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The visitors have failed to score a goal in their last two outings so a clean sheet for the Dutch is very much on the cards here. Netherlands to win to nil has been priced at 8/11 with Betfred.
This UEFA Nations League match between Netherlands and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be played on Sep 7, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Netherlands vs Bosnia and Herzegovina prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
