Prediction: Netherlands vs Ireland

Verdict: Xavi Simons to score anytime

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to pounce on what is a major opportunity in Amsterdam and finish off their EURO 24 qualifying job, the Netherlands will host Group B rivals Ireland on Saturday night.

Netherlands

Starting with the hosts, although the Netherlands might have continued to struggle with their consistency since they reappointed Ronald Koeman earlier in the year, the European giants do find themselves sat in pole position to book their major tournament return. Last seen signing off October’s international break with what was a crucial 1-0 victory away at Greece, the former Barcelona boss knows that his superstar squad faces another must-win showdown here. Despite enduring real Nations League heartbreak over the summer, Holland have won four of their previous five qualifying appearances – a run that stems back to a 4-0 drumming against France on the opening weekend. While the Oranges might have gained a recent reputation for their continued issues on home soil, Koeman’s side are rightfully tipped as a landslide contender in Amsterdam on Saturday night.

Team News

Suffering with a recent injury issue, Manchester City defender Nathan Are has been forced to withdraw from Koeman’s November squad. Likewise, the Netherlands will also be unable to call upon the likes of Spurs’ Micky van de Men and Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt.

With attacking talisman Memphis Depay not making a single appearance since the end of September, ex-Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst should once again lead Koeman’s charge here. Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk will earn a 63rd international cap on Saturday night and will lead out the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

Ireland

As for the visitors, while Ireland might have signed off October’s international break with a routine 4-0 romp against Gibraltar, Stephen Kenny’s side have come under plenty of scrutiny this year. With their qualifying dreams long since going up in smoke, the Greens have lost five of their seven Group B appearances and they are seeking some crucial stability. However, hit with a 2-1 loss when they welcomed the Netherlands to Amsterdam back on September 10th, Kenny’s squad will know that they face another monumental challenge here. Despite looking to upset Holland’s qualifying party on Saturday night, Ireland have shown some extended issues on foreign soil. Despite landing that 4-0 victory against Gibraltar last month, that is the only competitive away win that Kenny’s camp have recorded since November 2021.

Team News

Putting pen to paper on a bumper new deal with Premier League outfit Brighton earlier in the month, 19-year-old Evan Ferguson will spearhead Kenny’s charge on Saturday night. Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen has also been included in Kenny’s squad this month and should be joined by Bristol City’s Jason Knight at the heart of Ireland’s midfield.

Making his return to Wolves over the summer, former Tottenham defender Matt Doherty is set to earn a 40th international cap this weekend. Looking to secure an immediate Premier League return with Southampton this season, 21-year-old Gavin Bazunu will once again start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse qualifying showdown on September 10th, the Netherlands picked up a 2-1 victory in Dublin.
• The Oranges have won four of their previous five Group B appearances.
• However, Holland have lost three of their last four home fixtures across all competitions.
• Ireland have lost five of their seven EURO 24 qualifying appearances this year.
• The Greens have recorded just a trio of clean sheets from any of their previous 13 appearances across all formats.

Conclusion

With the Netherlands knowing that a single point will be enough to officially punch their ticket to EURO 24, Saturday’s hosts will certainly be smelling a golden chance here. Looking to draw a line under their recent inconsistencies on home soil, Koeman’s superstar squad will be looking to cash in on an Ireland squad who are enduring another public qualifying struggle. Landing a 2-1 win when they travelled to Dublin for their reverse meeting on September 10th, Holland are rightfully tipped as a landslide contender in Amsterdam.

Verdict: Xavi Simons to score anytime

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: Olympusbet