Prediction: Netherlands vs France

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what is a heavyweight showdown from the Johan Cruijff Arena on Friday night, France will travel to Amsterdam when they meet the Netherlands.

Netherlands

Starting with the hosts, while Holland might have endured major Nations League heartbreak back in June, the Netherlands certainly haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Last seen in European Championship qualifying duties landing a lively 2-1 victory away at Ireland, it is no secret that Ronald Koeman’s squad are still trying to find some recent stability. However, now winning each of their previous three Group B appearances by an aggregate score 8-1, the one-time Everton boss will be desperate for his squad to make a heavyweight statement here. Marking their return to qualifying duties on Friday night with their goal difference keeping them inside the top-two, the Netherlands should also be excited by an eye-catching qualifying record on home soil. Along with winning each of their previous four showdowns in Amsterdam, it is also worth noting that Holland have won five of their last six appearances in front of their own supporters.

Team News

In what is a major blow for the Netherlands this month, Koeman will be without the Premier League-based trio of Cody Gakpo, Jurrien Timber and Sven Botman. Likewise, the Oranges have also been unable to call upon the likes of Atletico Madrid striker Memphis Depay and Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Continuing to shine since making the move to Tottenham this summer, central defender Micky van de Ven looks set to earn a first senior cap on Friday night. The 22-year-old could partner Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk at the back.

France

As for the visitors, despite suffering major World Cup final heartbreak at the hands of Argentina over the winter, France have certainly come roaring back in 2023. Last seen signing off their September qualifying break with a routine 2-0 win at home against Ireland, Les Bleus are breezing their way to next year’s European Championships. Continuing on a real qualifying romp this year, Didier Deschamps’ men have won all of their five Group B appearances and have continued to gain a string of plaudits. Still yet to ship a single qualifying strike and with the mood in their camp at a real high, France will also be excited by their most recent showdown against their fellow European heavyweights. Putting in a rampant performance as they cruised their way to an iconic 4-0 romp at the Stade de France back on March 24, Deschamps’ superstar squad will be calling on a repeat display on Friday night.

Team News

Already notching four Group B goals in just his five appearances this year, PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe will spearhead France’s charge in Amsterdam. Making the move to the French giants this summer following a blockbuster switch from Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele should join his PSG teammate in the final third.

Both receiving first senior call-ups this month, the duo of Malo Gusto and Castello Lukeba will be hoping to feature on Friday night. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouameni will likely be joined by Juventus’ Adrian Rabiot in the midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the Netherlands and France met for their reverse qualifying showdown back on March 24th, France claimed a thumping 4-0 victory on home soil.
• Les Bleus have won each of their first five Group B appearances by an aggregate score of 11-0.
• Along with winning each of their previous four European Championship appearances in front of their own supporters, Holland have also won five of their last six contests in front of their own supporters.
• PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe has notched four Group B goals in his five qualifying appearances.
• Three of Holland’s last four European Championship qualifying appearances have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Blown away thanks to that 4-0 drumming in Paris back on March 24th, Holland will be desperate to claim some revenge on Friday night. However, watching France only continue on a remarkable qualifying romp this year, Les Bleus will be looking to punch their ticket to next year’s European Championships as Group B winners. Nevertheless, with the Netherlands seeing three of their previous four appearances across all competitions finish with both teams getting on the scoresheet, we are expecting a similar outcome at the Johan Cruijff Arena this weekend.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet