2026-2027 Nations League: Greece vs. the Netherlands, Probable Lineups
The 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League heats up with a head-to-head clash for first place in Group 2 of League A. On Thursday evening, at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece hosts the Netherlands in their Matchday 3 fixture. At stake is sole possession of first place in the group, with the Greeks currently two points ahead of the Oranje.
Ivan Jovanović’s Greece is one of the big surprises of this early stage of the Nations League. The Greeks have earned six points in the first two matchdays, first beating Serbia in a comeback victory thanks to a goal by Douvikas in the 94th minute and then defeating Germany 1-0, with the decisive goal scored by Dimitris Kourbelis.
The Greek national team is now counting on home-field advantage and the atmosphere at Toumba Stadium to maintain its perfect record and defend first place in the group.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, arrives in Thessaloniki with four points. The Oranje drew 1-1 with Germany, scoring in stoppage time, before defeating Serbia 2-1 thanks to a brace by Mexx Meerdink. The team led by Xavi remains undefeated after 90 minutes and is seeking a win that would allow them to take the lead in the standings. The head-to-head record favors the Netherlands, which has won nine of its last eleven matches against Greece.
For Greece, Jovanović is expected to stick with most of the lineup that defeated Germany. Kourbelis is set to return to the starting lineup in midfield alongside Zafeiris and Karetsas, while up front, the duo of Kostoulas and Pavlidis will start, with Tzolis on the wing. Mavropanos and Retsos are confirmed in the center of the defense.
For the Netherlands, Xavi must contend with the absences of Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey. Meerdink, who scored twice against Serbia, is therefore expected to start up front, flanked by Summerville and Van Bommel. In midfield, Gravenberch, Veerman, and Reijnders are set to start, while in front of Verbruggen, the defensive line is expected to consist of Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, and Van de Ven.
Probable lineups:
GREECE (4-4-2): Tzolakis; Vagiannidis, Mavropanos, Retsos, Tsimikas; Karetsas, Kourbelis, Zafeiris, Tzolis; Kostoulas, Pavlidis. Head Coach: Ivan Jovanović.
NETHERLANDS (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Veerman, Reijnders; Summerville, Meerdink, Van Bommel. Head Coach: Xavi.
