Prediction: Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Netherlands

Verdict: Total away goals over 2.5

Best odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

With only pride at stake in the final round of UEFA Nations League group games, the Netherlands visit Bosnia-Herzegovina in Zenica on Tuesday evening to conclude League A Group 3.

Ronald Koeman’s side secured second place with a commanding 4-0 victory over Hungary on Saturday, while Bosnia endured their worst-ever defeat, falling 7-0 to Germany.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Though their progression is already secured, the Netherlands are well-positioned to end League A Group 3 on a high note against a Bosnia-Herzegovina side still reeling from their heaviest-ever defeat in senior men’s football.

The Golden Lilies had never lost by more than five goals before Saturday’s 7-0 humiliation by Germany in Freiburg. Goals from Florian Wirtz (2), Tim Kleindienst (2), Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, and Leroy Sane dismantled Sergej Barbarez’s team, sealing their relegation to League B in the next Nations League cycle—a pattern of promotion followed by immediate relegation since 2018-19.

Bosnia-Herzegovina currently holds the worst defensive record in the competition, conceding 16 goals in five matches. Their dreadful form includes 10 losses and one draw in their last 11 games, a run featuring a 5-2 defeat to the Dutch in September. However, they managed to hold the Netherlands to a goalless draw on Bosnian soil in the 2020-21 Nations League, albeit in front of just 1,600 fans.

Team News

Sergej Barbarez will regain defender Nikola Katic from suspension for Tuesday’s clash, though Jusuf Gazibegovic and Nihad Mujakic, both absent from Saturday’s debacle due to injuries, are unlikely to feature with nothing on the line.

Despite the low stakes, changes are expected, particularly with 38-year-old Edin Dzeko surprisingly benched for the Germany match. The veteran striker, who saw no action over the weekend, should be fresh to lead the attack alongside Ermedin Demirovic.

Meanwhile, Ajax midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic is likely to retain his spot in midfield, offering a glimmer of continuity for the Golden Lilies.

Netherlands

For the third time in four Nations League campaigns, the Netherlands have reached the knockout rounds, aiming to better their runners-up finish in 2018-19 and improve on last year’s fourth-place showing on home soil.

Ronald Koeman’s side secured their quarter-final spot with a commanding 4-0 victory over Hungary on Saturday. First-half penalties from Wout Weghorst and Cody Gakpo were followed by goals from Denzel Dumfries and Teun Koopmeiners after the break.

However, the triumph was overshadowed by a medical emergency involving Hungary coach Adam Szalai, who required prompt attention during the first half. Fortunately, Szalai has since offered a positive update from the hospital.

The professional performance ensured the Netherlands’ second-place finish behind group leaders Germany, with all League A Group 3 standings decided before the final matchday. The win also snapped Oranje’s three-game winless streak in the competition, though they are yet to claim victory in an away match during the current Nations League campaign.

Team News

The Netherlands emerged from their dominant win over Hungary unscathed, much to the relief of club managers. With nothing significant on the line, Koeman is expected to rotate his squad extensively.

Captain Virgil van Dijk is already on his way back to Liverpool, while his clubmates Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch are likely to be rested. Injury-prone Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong may also sit out, opening opportunities for Matthijs de Ligt, Teun Koopmeiners, and Jeremie Frimpong to feature in the starting XI.

In goal, the selection remains intriguing. Sparta Rotterdam’s uncapped Nick Olij could make his debut, but Mark Flekken is the probable choice if Bart Verbruggen is rested.

Conclusion

Though the game holds no competitive significance, the fringe players in Koeman’s squad likely to start this match will have plenty to prove, and there’s quite enough quality in their ranks to overcome the struggling hosts.

Verdict: Total away goals over 2.5

Best odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: Unibet