Netherlands remained unbeaten in Nations League Group A2 after Thursday's 2-2 draw away to Greece, but they will only be interested in maximum points when taking on Serbia at Philips Stadion in Eindhoven on Sunday.
It has been a solid start to life in the Dutch dugout for Xavi, who has steered his team to a victory and two draws from three Nations League matches, but the Spanish head coach will have identified areas for improvement, including a more focused approach to starting games.
His side conceded the opening goal in their 1-1 draw at home to Germany and had to recover from a two-goal half-time deficit in Thursday's four-goal thriller against the Greeks.
While the Netherlands are coming on strong towards the end of games, Serbia are in the nasty habit of performing poorly from start to finish.
They have lost all three of their Nations League fixtures and were never truly competitive in Thursday's 2-0 loss away to Germany, which could have been a far heavier defeat.
Netherlands v Serbia Tips Summary
Best Bet - Netherlands to win 2-0 @ 6/1
Alternative Bet - Crysencio Summerville to make two or more tackles @ 6/5
Bet Builder - Crysencio Summerville to score anytime, Sasa Lukic to commit two or more fouls and Under 4 goals @ 23/4
Netherlands v Serbia Prediction
Best Bet: Netherlands to win 2-0 @ 6/1
Serbia have looked out of their depth in the Nations League's top tier and their losing streak may continue against the Netherlands in Eindhoven.
Relegation to League B looks a near certainty for Serbia, who were outclassed in their midweek clash with Germany at the Allianz Arena.
Veljko Paunovic's side were forced back by the Germans and they might have to carry out another damage limitation exercise against the Dutch, who are on a mission to bounce back from their round of 32 exit at the 2026 World Cup.
There are a few selection conundrums for Xavi, who has seen his squad weakened by the withdrawals of Justin Kluivert, Donyell Malen, Jan Paul van Hecke, Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey.
However, the Oranje finished strongly in Thursday's draw away to Greece and they should have too much quality for Serbia, who they defeated 2-1 in Belgrade last weekend.
Xavi wants his team to play open, expansive football, but he is missing some of his top attacking talent and may have to be content with a fairly low-scoring success.
Alternative Bet: Crysencio Summerville to make two or more tackles @ 6/5
Xavi is a demanding head coach and has got his Dutch side playing with plenty of intensity.
Every player is expected to work hard out of possession and Al-Hilal winger Crysencio Summerville is certainly getting the message.
The 24-year-old former West Ham forward has made eight tackles over the three games and can add at least a couple more to the tally against Serbia.
Netherlands v Serbia Bet Builder Tip
Crysencio Summerville to score anytime
Sasa Lukic to commit two or more fouls
Under 4 goals
Pays 23/4
Among the Netherlands' brightest sparks at the World Cup was Summerville, who scored in the 2-2 draw against Japan and the 5-1 triumph over Sweden.
He is still searching for his first goal of the Nations League campaign, but has registered an effort on target in each of the three games and looks a likely scorer against Serbia.
It could be a tough night's work for Serbia, who may succumb to a low-scoring loss.
The Serbian midfield could be in for a busy night with Ipswich Town's Sasa Lukic at the heart of efforts to break up Dutch attacks.
He was cautioned in last Sunday's 2-1 loss at home to the Netherlands and his industrious efforts could lead to the concession of multiple fouls.
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Key Match Stats
Netherlands are unbeaten in their last eight games
The Oranje have scored multiple goals in six of their last eight fixtures
Serbia have lost their last five matches and have gone 12 games without keeping a clean sheet
Serbia have conceded multiple goals in five of their last seven fixtures
Eight of Serbia's last nine matches have featured fewer than four goals
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
