Germany vs Serbia: Jurgen Klopp Chases First Win in Nations League Clash
Germany will host Serbia in the third matchday of Group B of the UEFA Nations League on Friday, October 2, with Jurgen Klopp’s side still searching for their first victory under the new head coach. The meeting at the Allianz Arena could provide Die Mannschaft with the opportunity to finally turn their difficult start into positive momentum.
Germany have taken just one point from their opening two matches, drawing with the Netherlands before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Greece. Serbia have endured an equally difficult campaign, losing both of their fixtures against Greece and the Netherlands.
The upcoming match will also offer Klopp another chance to rotate his squad. Before the tournament began, the German coach named a group of 44 players, with his first selection featuring in the opening two games. A different group is now expected to take the field against Serbia as Klopp continues to assess his options.
Despite Germany’s home advantage, the fixture is unlikely to be straightforward. The hosts have won only once in their last three meetings with Serbia, alongside a draw and a defeat, a record that will offer the visitors some encouragement ahead of their trip to Munich.
Germany, however, still appear to have the stronger squad on paper. Although several players are expected to change from the previous two matches, Klopp will be hoping that the depth of his squad can finally translate into a convincing performance and a much-needed result in front of the home supporters.
Serbia are also undergoing a period of transition under Veljko Paunovic. The Eagles endured four consecutive defeats during the early stages of his tenure, their first run of four straight losses in around two decades, highlighting the scale of the rebuilding task facing the new coach.
That poor run makes a response equally important for Serbia, but their challenge will be considerable. Germany are under similar pressure to deliver, and the added incentive of playing at home could see Klopp’s team approach the encounter with greater attacking intent from the opening whistle.
Vivagoal expects Germany to adopt an aggressive approach as they look to end their winless start. While the Nations League is also being used as an opportunity to assess players, avoiding another home defeat will be equally important as Klopp attempts to restore confidence around the national team.
Head-to-Head: Germany vs Serbia
March 21, 2019 – International Friendly: Germany 1-1 Serbia
June 18, 2010 – FIFA World Cup: Germany 0-1 Serbia
May 31, 2008 – International Friendly: Germany 2-1 Serbia
Predicted Lineups
Germany (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Baku, Anton, Thiaw, Raum; Janelt, Pavlovic; Adeyemi, Bischof, Wirtz; Burkardt.
Head Coach: Jurgen Klopp
Serbia (4-2-3-1): Vanja Milinkovic-Savic; Terzic, Pavlovic, Babic, Nadeljkovic; Lukic, Gudelj; Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Stankovic, Zivkovic; Joveljic.
Head Coach: Veljko Paunovic
Prediction
With both teams still searching for their first points of the campaign, the clash in Munich carries significant importance despite coming early in the Nations League schedule. Germany have the stronger squad and the advantage of playing at home, but Serbia’s recent history against Die Mannschaft means Klopp’s players cannot afford to take the visitors lightly.
For Germany, this is a chance to produce the response their supporters have been waiting for since Klopp took charge. A more aggressive and cohesive display could finally deliver the first win of his tenure, while another disappointing result would only increase the pressure surrounding the new era.
Prediction: Germany 2-1 Serbia.
