UEFA Nations League Matchday 5 preview: Unbeaten Greece and perfect Portugal return to action

Two-goal Mexx Meerdink impressed in September and October though Xavi Hernández has a wider range of striking options at his disposal this time with the return from injury of Donyell Malen and Brian Brobbey. Roma forward Malen has scored 14 goals in 12 appearances this season, including four in the Champions League, leaving Xavi with a happy headache as he picks his team to face Greece.

Sticking to the theme of strikers, Greece forward Tasos Douvikas is a week removed from his hat-trick in Como's record-equalling Champions League win at Lens. Douvikas is one of several attacking talents Ivan Jovanović can call upon as Greece build on an undefeated record in Group A2, which includes a 2-2 draw against Netherlands in Thessaloniki.

Aleksandar Mitrović is back from injury, equipping Serbia with the one of the all-time highest scorers in this competition and providing encouragement as Veljko Paunović's charges aim for their first points. They were not far off against Netherlands in their last outing – a 2-1 away defeat – and performed well. Captain Dušan Tadić said: "It was very nice to see how we managed things as a team."

Germany's only win so far under Jürgen Klopp came against Serbia in October, Florian Wirtz starring in a 2-0 victory brimming with characteristic Klopp intensity. "We started like maniacs," the Germany coach said. "Counter-pressing was through the roof, we were playing football in tight spaces."

Erling Haaland moved further clear as the Nations League's all-time top scorer with three goals in the first window, taking his overall tally to a typically prolific 22 in 20 games. Creator-in-chief Martin Ødegaard was tied with Jude Bellingham for the most assists (four) after four matches.

Wales made history when these sides met in Cardiff in October, goals from Daniel James and Neco Williams inspiring their first-ever League A win. Wales coach Craig Bellamy highlighted an "identity meeting" in the makings of that strong performance and is boosted by the return of playmaker Harry Wilson for these November fixtures.

A new era has well and truly dawned for confirmed quarter-finalists Portugal following the international retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo. Key to their attacking play under Jorge Jesus are Gonçalo Ramos and João Félix, who each count three goals through four matches and were on target in October’s 4-2 win in Copenhagen.

Denmark moved to six points with a victory in Wales on Matchday 4 thanks to match winner Rasmus Højlund, who scored three of their seven goals from Matchday 1 to 4. "He's been outstanding for a long time for us," coach Brian Riemer said of his No9. The Denmark coach ranks Portugal as outstanding too, saying after Matchday 3: "They did a great job here at Parken and showed that they are world class."