Klopp's Germany Face Relegation Trap in Belgrade as Serbia Name Tadić

Jürgen Klopp names a Germany side that can be relegated from UEFA Nations League A Group 2 on Friday night at Stadion Rajko Mitić. Germany have not won either of their opening two matches in the group, and a defeat in Belgrade leaves them exposed to the relegation play-off. Klopp's response is a 4-1-2-3 with Florian Wirtz as the attacking reference.

Serbia, under Veljko Paunović, set up in a 3-4-1-2. Dušan Tadić is the No. 10 behind the front two. The shape gives Serbia three centre-backs against Germany's single striker, and Tadić the pocket between Germany's holding midfielder and back four.

Germany's 4-1-2-3 puts one holder in front of the back four, two No. 8s ahead of him, and Wirtz in the front three. Against Serbia's 3-4-1-2, that leaves Germany's single pivot responsible for tracking Tadić when Serbia's front two pin the centre-backs. If Germany's No. 8s push high to support Wirtz, Tadić receives between the lines with time to turn.

Serbia's 3-4-1-2 asks the wing-backs to supply width. Germany's front three can pin those wing-backs if they hold their positions, which would leave Serbia's back three passing among themselves. The game tilts on whether Serbia's wing-backs escape that pressure or Germany's press forces long balls toward the front two.

Klopp starts Wirtz, Aleksandar Pavlović, Brajan Gruda and Derry Scherhant. Pavlović's inclusion in midfield suggests Germany want control in the first phase rather than a pure destroyer. Gruda and Scherhant give Germany legs in wide areas, which matters against Serbia's wing-backs.

Paunović's Serbia is built around Tadić. The 3-4-1-2 only works if Tadić finds space between Germany's lines. If Germany's holder screens him successfully, Serbia's front two are isolated against three centre-backs and the wing-backs have to advance alone.

Germany beat Serbia 2-0 in the first leg in early October. That result is the only recent form line between the sides, and it is the reason Germany arrive in Belgrade with the head-to-head edge but without a win in the group. A Serbia victory would put Germany in the relegation play-off position with one round left.

Kick-off is at Stadion Rajko Mitić. The group table after 90 minutes decides whether Germany's Nations League A status goes to the final matchday or to a play-off.