The UEFA Nations League has dominated proceedings over the last week and has brought some healthy competition to a usually boring international break. It’s all to play for in the final game in Group A1 as Netherlands travel to Germany looking to finish top.

STATS

• Germany had a shocking World Cup and their form has been even worse since the tournament. They have managed to win both of their friendlies (against Peru and Russia) but in their three Nations League fixtures, they have only picked up one point. That came in a goalless draw against France which was followed up by a 3-0 loss against Netherlands and then a 2-1 loss against the World Champions. They have been relegated from into Group B.
• Netherlands have bounced back in the perfect way after missing out on a place at the World Cup. They have won three of their last five internationals but more importantly, they can secure a place at next summer’s finals as long as they avoid defeat on Monday. A brilliant 2-0 win over France last time out has given them a great chance of progression following a loss against them in their first group meeting.
• The six goals Germany have scored since the World Cup have all come from different players, they’ll need some more consistency if they want to challenge at the Euros.
• Memphis Depay is Netherlands’ lead talisman and in their last five games, he has scored four, including a late one against France on Friday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Since the beginning of the 21^st century, it’s been really close in the eight meetings between the two nations. Netherlands have three, Germany have two and there have been three draws. The most recent was, of course, last month’s Nations League fixture where Netherlands ran out convincing 3-0 winners in front of their own fans. Of those eight games, six have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams have scored in five.

GERMANY NEWS

As mentioned, Germany have already been relegated from the group but they’ll still be hoping to go out with a win. Mats Hummels, Marco Reus and Toni Kroos are all expected to return to the starting XI after missing the 3-0 win against Russia.

Latest matches: Germany

15.11.2018	Int.	Germany	Russia	3:0	W
16.10.2018	UEFA	France	Germany	2:1	L
13.10.2018	UEFA	Netherlands	Germany	3:0	L
09.09.2018	Int.	Germany	Peru	2:1	W
06.09.2018	UEFA	Germany	France	0:0	D

NETHERLANDS NEWS

Netherlands must avoid defeat to secure their place in the Nations League finals in Portugal next summer. They don’t have any injury worries ahead of such a big game and will be high on confidence after such a strong performance against France.

Latest matches: Netherlands

16.11.2018	UEFA	Netherlands	France	2:0	W
16.10.2018	Int.	Belgium	Netherlands	1:1	D
13.10.2018	UEFA	Netherlands	Germany	3:0	W
09.09.2018	UEFA	France	Netherlands	2:1	L
06.09.2018	Int.	Netherlands	Peru	2:1	W

SUMMARY

Germany would have usually been considered as favourites to win this one but with Netherlands being on such good form going into a game they need a result from, the visitors are certainly favourites to win. Looking at Memphis Depay to score and/or assist might bring good value as he’s in unbelievable form.