The country triumphed in both the men's and women's tournaments at the last edition in 2021 and are tipped to challenge again in Mönchengladbach, with competition beginning tomorrow and ending on August 27.

They will, however, face tough competition from hosts Germany who had to settle for two silvers in Amstelveen.

The winner in both tournaments will then secure there place at next year's Olympic Games, with hockey set to take place from July 27 to August 9 at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir.

Germany and The Netherlands are set to meet in the men's Pool B at the Warsteiner HockeyPark. 

The German squad is led by Mats Grambusch and features 15 players who were part of the victorious World Cup squad from India earlier this year.

They are ranked fifth in the world and are expected to finish in the top two of the group along with the Dutch, which would secure a semi-final spot.

The Netherlands have won the men's tournament six times in 19 appearances, including three of the last four editions.

Jeroen Delmée's side shone in the Pro League this year with a run of five successive wins – 10 unbeaten in total – to top the competition, including two successes against Belgium and one against Germany.

France and Wales comprise Pool B but ranked 11^th and 15^th in the world, respectively, they are not expected to topple the heavyweights.

Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Belgium lead Pool A and are predicted to cruise through the preliminary round, with fixtures against Austria, England, and Spain in store.

World number one side The Netherlands are the team to beat in the Pool A line-up of the women's tournament.

Spain and Belgium will play out a rematch of the 2021 bronze medal-match while Italy will do well to avoid three defeats.

Germany are the best side on paper in Pool B and are expecting to take top spot, leaving England, Ireland, and Scotland to fight for the final semi-final place.