Netherlands and Germany set for Nations League opener with key absences

The Netherlands and Germany begin their Nations League campaigns against each other, with both sides entering a new phase after being eliminated in the last 16 of the World Cup.

The match also marks a period of significant change for the two national teams, with notable adjustments to their squads and technical staffs. The following line-ups are expected to start.

Netherlands

Xavi has made several major decisions in selecting the Netherlands squad. Memphis Depay has not been called up, while Frenkie de Jong is unavailable because of injury.

Xavi Simons, De Ligt, Schouten and Maatsen are also missing. However, goalkeeper Verbruggen has been included, along with Van Dijk, Timber, Gakpo and Malen.

The Netherlands’ probable XI is:

Goalkeeper: Verbruggen

Defenders: Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Ake

Midfielders: Gravenberch, Reijnders, Koopmeiners

Forwards: Malen, Gakpo, Noa Lang

Germany

Jurgen Klopp is preparing for his first match with Germany without Leroy Sane, Deniz Undav and Leon Goretzka.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to take on a more prominent role in goal following Manuel Neuer’s retirement. Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah are likely to form part of the defensive line.

Further forward, Gnabry and Havertz remain Germany’s principal attacking options, while Karim Adeyemi is also expected to start.

Germany’s probable XI is:

Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen

Defenders: Vagnoman, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown

Midfielders: Kimmich, Pavlovic, Musiala

Forwards: Gnabry, Havertz, Karim Adeyemi

The fixture will be the first match of the Nations League campaign for both teams. The Netherlands and Germany are due to meet shortly as each side begins its attempt to make progress in the competition after their World Cup exits in the last 16.

According to the odds listed by 1xbet, the Netherlands are priced at 2.40 to win. A draw is valued at 3.80, while Germany are priced at 2.70.