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Netherlands will entertain Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Philips Stadion in their UEFA Nations League campaign opener on Saturday. The hosts finished fourth in the previous edition while Bosnia booked their place in League A after finishing as the Group B3 winners and earning a promotion.
Oranje have enjoyed a good run of form in 2024, suffering just three losses in 10 games. They made it to the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2024 and suffered a 2-1 loss to England, who registered a comeback win after Xavi Simons had scored in the seventh minute.
Zmajevi did not qualify for Euro 2024 and have suffered consecutive defeats in their three games this year. They last met Italy in a friendly in June and suffered a 1-0 away loss, failing to score for the second match on the spin.
Netherlands vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have crossed paths just twice, with both meetings taking place in the group stage of the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League. Oranje have an unbeaten record in these games, recording a home win and the reverse fixture ended in a draw.
- The hosts have scored at least two goals in nine of their last 10 games in the Nations League.
- The Dragons have registered just one win in their travels in the Nations League and are winless in their last seven away games in the competition.
- Oranje have won their last four home games in all competitions while keeping clean sheets.
- Bosnia have seen conclusive results in their last eight away games in all competitions, suffering seven losses while failing to score in five games.
- The Dragons have suffered just one loss in their last six games in the Nations League.
Netherlands vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Prediction
Het Nederlands Elftal are unbeaten in their last 10 games in the Nations League group stage, recording seven wins, and will look to extend that unbeaten streak here. They have an unbeaten record against Bosnia and registered a 3-1 home win in the 2020-21 Nations League.
Ronald Koeman has named a good squad for the two games this month, though Stefan de Vrij, Memphis Depay, and Teun Koopmeiners find no place. Justin Kluivert and Jan Paul van Hecke have been called up as replacements after being left out initially.
Zmajevi have suffered six consecutive losses in all competitions, conceding 17 goals while scoring just thrice, and will look to improve upon that record. Interestingly, they have not scored more than once in away games in the Nations League since 2018. Veteran striker Edin Džeko will lead the lineup in this match.
Oranje have a good home record in the Nations League and, considering Bosnia's recent struggles, the hosts should be able to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Netherlands vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Netherlands to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Joshua Zirkzee to score or assist any time - Yes
