Prediction: Netherlands vs Greece

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Seeking what is a crucial boost when they return to qualifying duties on Thursday night, the Netherlands will welcome to the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven.

Netherlands

Starting with the hosts, while the Netherlands might have gained a string of praise for their eye-catching flurry under Louis van Gaal last year, the European giants have come crashing back down to earth. Really struggling to find their feet since they welcomed back Ronald Koeman, the one-time Everton boss already finds some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Last seen back in June suffering Nations League heartbreak as they slumped to back-to-back defeats against Croatia and Italy respectively, Holland are desperate to claim a much-needed boost here. However, along with crashing out of last winter’s World Cup following a penalties defeat against eventual winners Argentina at the quarter-final stage, the Netherlands have remarkably lost four of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Opening their Group B campaign with a 4-0 drumming at the hands of France on March 24th, Thursday’s hosts face what is a crucial showdown in Eindhoven.

Team News

The Premier League duo of Tottenham center-back Micky van de Ven and Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen are both expected to make their full senior debuts this month after being included in Koeman’s squad for the first time.

Likewise, both Manchester City defender Nathan Are and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk will feature here. Really impressing since making the move to German outfit RB Leipzig this summer, the red-hot Xavi Simons should spearhead Holland’s charge on Thursday night.

Greece

As for the visitors, while Greece might have opened their European Championship qualifying adventure this year tipped as a real underdog, the National should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Despite being last seen signing off June’s international break with a close-fought 1-0 loss at the hands of former world champions France, Gus Poyet’s men have gained plenty of praise over the past 15 months. Enjoying a stunning Nations League romp last year as they won five of their six League C appearances, the one-time Brighton boss is now dreaming of the chance to book a top-two ticket in Group B. Mustering six points from their opening three qualifying showdowns, some in Poyet’s camp could be smelling the chance to spring a heavyweight upset when they travel to the Philips Stadion on Thursday night.

Team News

Making the move to West Ham this summer in a £20million deal with Stuttgart, defender Konstantinos Mavropanos should feature here despite dealing with a recent knock. Sheffield United defender George Baldock will start at right-back in midweek.

However, in what is a real blow, Greece will be unable to call upon leading marksman Anastasios Bakasetas on Thursday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Thursday’s opponents last met for a friendly showdown back in September 2016, Greece picked up a shock 2-1 victory.
• Including their World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Argentina last summer, the Netherlands have lost four of their previous five appearances across all formats.
• Greece have collected six points from their opening three Group B appearances this season.
• The Netherlands have won just four of their previous eight qualifying contests on home soil.
• Seven of the previous eight meetings between Holland and Greece have finished with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

While the Netherlands might open Thursday’s showdown tipped as a standout contender with the bookmakers, Koeman’s struggling squad could face another stern test here. Losing four of their previous five appearances across all competitions and showing some extended defensive issues, some in Greece’s camp could be smelling the chance to spring a heavyweight upset here. Landing a 2-1 win when they last met Holland for a friendly showdown back in September 2016, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair here. With seven of the last eight meetings between Thursday’s opponents finishing with over 1.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Luckster