Prediction: Netherlands vs France

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

With all eyes falling on the Red Bull Arena this weekend, Netherlands and France will meet in Leipzig for what is a heavyweight showdown.

Netherlands

Starting with the Netherlands, mounting what was an essential comeback against Poland last weekend as they opened their EURO 24 adventure with a 2-1 victory in Hamburg, Ronald Koeman’s men have continued to receive plenty of plaudits. While Holland might have initially struggled to find their feet when they welcomed back the former Barcelona boss, the European giants have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine charge this summer. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with consecutive 4-0 victories against Iceland and Canada, the Netherlands should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Winning six of their final seven EURO 24 qualifying appearances last year, Koeman’s camp could be smelling the chance to make what would be a major statement of intent when they arrive at the Red Bull Arena on Friday night.

Team News

While former Manchester United loanee might have bagged a sensational late winner against Poland last weekend, the Hoffenheim marksmen will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench here. Despite continued speculation over his fitness, Atletico Madrid’s Memphis Depay should spearhead the Netherlands’ charge in the final third and earn a 94th international cap in Leipzig.

Despite dealing with injury issues during the back end of last season with Italian heavyweights Inter Milan, 32-year-old Stefan de Vrij will once again partner Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Holland’s defence.

France

As for France, while Les Bleus might not have been at their scintillating best on Monday night, Didier Deschamps’ men did open their European Championship adventure with a gritty 1-0 victory against Austria. Despite suffering major heartbreak out in Qatar 18 months ago as they relinquished their World Cup crown to South American giants Argentina, the Blues are pencilled in as a standout contender this summer. Looking to claim some immediate revenge on the major tournament stage, France are dreaming of the chance to get their hands on a first European crown since 2000. Storming their way to EURO 24 and embarking on a major qualifying romp last year, Deschamps’ camp have lost just a pair of their previous 15 consecutive appearances across all competitions. Likewise, landing a 2-1 victory when they travelled to Amsterdam back on October 13th, France will be seeking a repeat performance here.

Team News

Suffering a horrific broken nose late on against Austria on Monday night and with it officially confirmed that he has already undergone surgery, new Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is a real doubt on Friday night. With this set to be his final tournament on the major tournament stage, the record-breaker Olivier Giroud should be handed a full recall and earn a 135th international cap in Leipzig.

Putting in a dominant performance against Austria earlier in the week and still going strong at the age of 33, former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante will once again start at the heart of Les Blues’ midfield and will be joined by Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the Netherlands and France last met back on October 13th while in EURO 24 qualifying action, Les Bleus collected a 2-1 victory in Amsterdam.
• France have won seven of their previous eight meetings against Holland across all competitions.
• Les Bleus have recorded three clean sheets on the bounce for the first time since opening 2024.
• Including their 2-1 victory against Poland last weekend, Holland have won nine of their last 11 appearances across all competitions.
• Four of the last five meetings between the Netherlands and France have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

With all eyes falling on the Red Bull Arena this weekend, neutrals will be hoping for an action-packed showdown between two European powerhouses on Friday night. While France might have secured a 2-1 victory when they last met Holland while in EURO 24 qualifying action back on October 13th, they will be bracing themselves for another stern examination in Leipzig. With the Oranges now winning nine of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions, the Group D rivals do have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet