Prediction: Belgium vs Netherlands

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two European icons who will be hoping to open this year’s Nations League adventure with three points, Belgium will host the Netherlands on Friday night.

Belgium

Starting with the hosts, while Belgium might have been last seen back on March 29th when picking up a routine 3-0 win against Burkina Faso in a friendly contest, it doesn’t cover what has been an inconsistent run. Eventually hit with a 2-1 defeat against Italy in their bronze medal showdown during the inaugural Nations League tournament last year, it appears that there is pressure on Roberto Martínez’s shoulders. Including signing off their World Cup qualifying run with a 1-1 draw against Wales on foreign soil, the one-time Everton boss has seen his star-studded squad win just a pair of their last six matchups across all competitions. Likewise, suffering a 2-1 loss at the hands of eventual winners Italy at last year’s European Championships, the Red Devils have shown some extended issues at the back. Despite hosting a string of attacking superstars, it should be highlighted that Friday’s hosts have mustered just a single clean sheet over the past nine months.

Team News

After his Man of the Match display in last weekend’s Champions League victory against Liverpool, Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois should start between the sticks here.

Likewise, despite being left as an unused sub in Paris, Eden Hazard should join Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku in attack.

Netherlands

As for the visitors, managing to end their eight-year absence from the World Cup finals last year, Holland have really found their feet since bringing back Louis van Gaal 10 months ago. Eventually signing off their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win at home against Norway, the one-time Manchester United boss also saw his clinch top spot in Group G. Last seen back in March playing out a 1-1 draw against former world champions Germany, the Oranges are in the midst of a remarkable purple patch. On a run that also saw them grab an action-packed 4-2 victory against Denmark in a friendly contest earlier in the year, Holland are unbeaten in each of their last nine matchups across all formats. If the European giants are to clinch an upset on foreign soil here, van Gaal could be calling on Tottenham outcast Steven Bergwijn to spearhead their charge. The former PSV man has found the net in his last three international appearances for Friday’s guests.

Team News

Playing the full 90 minutes in Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat last weekend, defensive star Virgil van Dijk could be handed a deserved rest here.

Barcelona’s Memphis Depay should be joined by teammate and midfield superstar Frenkie de Jong on Friday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• Despite picking up a 3-0 victory against Burkina Faso in a friendly contest on March 29th, that is only the second win that Belgium have collected from their last six matchups.
• Likewise, the Red Devils have also recorded a single clean sheet from any of their last six appearances.
• Holland are unbeaten in each of their last nine matchups across all formats, a run that stems over the past 12 months.
• Tottenham’s Steven Bergwijn has found the net in each of his last three international appearances.
• Six of the last seven meetings between Friday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Belgium might open Friday’s showdown tipped as a standout pick, Holland could be smelling the chance to cause an upset on foreign soil. Ending their eight-year absence from the World Cup finals last year, van Gaal’s side have really found an immediate boost since bringing back the one-time Barcelona boss. Quickly gaining a reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third, the Oranges will be looking to cash in on a Belgium side who have shown some recent issues. Managing to win just a pair of their previous six outings – including stalemates against Ireland and Wales – the Red Devils could be in for a stern test here. In a contest that could see chances at both ends of the pitch, it should be highlighted that Holland and Belgium do have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. With six of their last seven meetings finishing with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet