The Netherlands and Germany begin their respective new eras under new management at the Amsterdam Arena on September 24, when they collide in the Nations League.

Xavi Hoping for Immediate Response in First Match

Former Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez will take charge of the Netherlands for the first time on Thursday, when the national team aim to respond following an underwhelming World Cup showing.

The Dutch crashed out in the round of 32 against Morocco in the summer, and they have now failed to win four of their previous eight internationals in regulation time. Defensive improvement will be required, as the Netherlands have been unable to keep a clean sheet in all eight outings this calendar year.

Justin Kluivert and Donyell Malen have withdrawn from the squad due to injury setbacks. Brian Brobbey will lead the line after scoring a hat-trick against Man City on Sunday. Cody Gakpo has also made a strong start to the new season with five goal involvements in as many appearances.

Netherlands predicted lineup vs Germany (4-3-3): Vebruggen; Dumfries, van Hecke, van Dijk, van de Ven; Q. Timber, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Summerville, Brobbey, Gakpo

Klopp Names Big Squad in Quest to Learn About Players

After months of speculation, Jurgen Klopp’s appointment as Germany boss was made official following the World Cup. Like the Dutch, Germany underperformed at the summer event, suffering an embarrassing round-of-32 exit at the hands of Paraguay.

Die Mannschaft have been reliable in front of goal, scoring 23 times in eight. Klopp has named a split squad for the upcoming internationals, with 44 players in total included.

Jamal Musiala will feature in the first two internationals, and his form so far this season has been excellent, with three goal involvements recorded in three appearances. Lennart Karl and Kevin Schade could be handed starts in the wide positions, with the latter scoring three in five starts for Brentford in this campaign.

Germany predicted lineup vs Netherlands (4-2-3-1): ter Stegen; Vagnoman, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Kimmich, Nmecha; Karl, Musiala, Schade; Havertz

Netherlands vs Germany Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Over 2.5 Goals
  • Odds: 1.49 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: MM3AH
  • Correct score prediction: Netherlands 2-2 Germany

Key stats:

  • The Netherlands have scored at least twice in four of their previous five internationals.
  • Germany have netted 23 goals across their eight internationals in 2026.
  • Over 2.5 goals have been scored in four of the six most recent head-to-heads.

Expect a showdown brimming with world-class attacking quality this week, making over 2.5 goals a standout selection. The Netherlands have thrived in the final third this year, scoring at least twice in four of their last five.

Over the same period, the Dutch have conceded at least once in every fixture. Germany have also been excellent in the final third this year, scoring 23 goals across their eight internationals, but failing to keep clean sheets in their most recent five.

The head-to-head trends also support the chances of a high-scoring encounter, with four of the previous six seeing at least three goals.

Netherlands vs Germany Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: The Draw
  • Odds: 3.74 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: PFTAH

The fact that neither Klopp nor Xavi will want to start their new managerial reigns on a losing note shouldn’t be ignored this week, making a draw an interesting value play.

Despite both sides boasting excellent attacking output, they have also struggled defensively, with the Netherlands failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their eight internationals this year and Germany keeping just a single shutout in eight fixtures. Interestingly, two of the previous four head-to-heads have ended in draws.

Verdict: Over 2.5 Goals (1.49) — Netherlands 2-2 Germany