Germany weigh attacking changes as Serbia prepare Nations League test

Germany and Serbia meet in one of the standout fixtures of the third matchday in the Nations League, with the tactical decisions of both managers set to attract close attention.

Germany will be without the injured Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, leaving Jurgen Klopp likely to place greater responsibility on Florian Wirtz in the attacking areas. Wirtz’s excellent form could make him the key figure in Germany’s attempt to control the game and create chances.

Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic are expected to form a complementary midfield partnership. Their role will be to provide stability while also setting the tempo for the hosts.

Karim Adeyemi is tipped to start as the central striker. His pace could be important against a Serbia defence that has often been considered slow and vulnerable, particularly when opponents exploit the space behind it.

Germany’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Alexander Nubel

Defenders: Ridle Baku, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum

Defensive midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic

Attacking midfielders: Serge Gnabry, Florian Wirtz, Kevin Schade

Centre-forward: Karim Adeyemi

For the visitors, Veljko Paunovic is expected to select a 3-4-2-1 formation and make several significant tactical choices.

Aleksandar Mitrovic’s absence means Dejan Joveljic is expected to lead the line. His positional awareness is likely to be central to Serbia’s attacking plan, while Lazar Samardzic could be given a prominent role to add creativity and improve the team’s attacking transitions.

Paunovic is also expected to return to a back three. That system should provide additional protection for goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and give Serbia greater defensive security against Germany’s attacking players.

Serbia’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic

Defenders: Strahinja Pavlovic, Sr?an Babic, Strahinja Erakovic

Midfielders: Aleksa Terzic, Sasa Lukic, Nemanja Gudelj, Kosta Nedeljkovic

Forwards: Lazar Samardzic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Dejan Joveljic

Germany will shortly play Serbia in their third Nations League fixture. The pre-match betting odds list Germany as strong favourites, with a home win priced at 1.18. A draw is valued at 6.10, while Serbia are priced at 8.50.