Netherlands and Germany face off in one of the first games of the international break, with both nations entering a new era under new management. The Netherlands begin their new era under former Barcelona manager Xavi, meanwhile Germany will be under the management of Jürgen Klopp, who returns after a two-year break from management.
The Netherlands endured a sub-standard World Cup, despite seven points from three group matches; the Dutch fell on penalties to Morocco in the round of 32. Ronald Koeman's tenure was then coming to an end, and the Netherlands opted to bring in Xavi. The former Barcelona manager won the league with the Catalan club before he was removed from the club in favour of Hansi Flick.
For Germany, Julian Nagelsmann's time in charge of the National side was brought to an abrupt end following a similar finish in the World Cup, when Germany were defeated by Paraguay on penalties. Jürgen Klopp was always destined for the Germany job, and with his two years away, all eyes will be on the former Liverpool manager, who is set to prepare his team for the Nations League and upcoming European Championships.
The midfield battle will be key. Ryan Gravenberch has recently found his minutes limited at Liverpool as Andoni Iraola has favoured Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. However, Gravenberch's combativeness will be a difficult match-up for Felix Nmecha, whose ability showed during the World Cup. Florian Wirtz will be an interesting conundrum for Jürgen Klopp, as to whether or not the manager opts for Bayern Munich's Lennart Karl in favour of the underperforming Liverpool star.
When it comes to this fixture, Germany hold the advantage over their bitter rivals. The two sides met in the last edition of the Nations League, in the group stages, with Germany picking up four points from their matches against the Dutch. Goals are to be expected with over 2.5 goals landing in six of the previous eight matches between the two sides.
We predict Germany to edge out this close fixture, with both sides likely to show any tactical fluidity under their new managers just yet.
Netherlands 2-3 Germany
