Germany and Serbia set for Nations League tactical battle as Wirtz takes centre stage

Germany and Serbia meet in one of the standout fixtures of the third matchday in the Nations League, with the decisions of both managers set to come under close scrutiny.

Jurgen Klopp’s Germany will have to cope without the injured Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz. Their absences could give Florian Wirtz greater responsibility in an attacking role after his outstanding run of form.

Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic are expected to form a balanced midfield partnership, combining defensive stability with the ability to control the pace of the game. Karim Adeyemi is likely to lead the attack, with his speed expected to be used against a Serbia defence viewed as physically heavy and vulnerable under pressure.

Germany’s expected XI is:

Goalkeeper: Alexander Nubel

Defenders: Ridle Baku, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum

Defensive midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic

Attacking midfielders: Serge Gnabry, Florian Wirtz, Kevin Schade

Striker: Karim Adeyemi

Serbia are expected to respond with a 3-4-2-1 formation under Veljko Paunovic, whose selection is likely to include several notable tactical choices.

With Aleksandar Mitrovic unavailable, Dejan Joveljic is set to start as the central striker. His positioning and movement will be important to Serbia’s efforts to trouble the German defence.

Lazar Samardzic could also be given a prominent role as Serbia look to improve their attacking transitions. Paunovic’s return to a back three is intended to provide additional protection for goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

Serbia’s expected XI is:

Goalkeeper: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic

Defenders: Strahinja Pavlovic, Srđan Babic, Strahinja Erakovic

Midfielders: Aleksa Terzic, Sasa Lukic, Nemanja Gudelj, Kosta Nedeljkovic

Attackers: Lazar Samardzic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Dejan Joveljic

The match is Germany’s third Nations League fixture against Serbia, with the meeting approaching shortly. The pre-match odds list Germany as clear favourites at 1.18 to win.

A draw is priced at 6.10, while Serbia are listed at 8.50 for victory.