With only a matter of days until this year’s World Cup takes center stage, it will be the Middle East that steals all of the headlines as we enter the festive period.
While all of world football’s elite will have their sights set on making history in Qatar, it will be Group A that opens proceedings on November 20th when the host nation meet Ecuador in Al Khor.
With many believing that a high-flying Holland are sat in pole position to cruise their way to the knockout stage, the likes of Senegal will also be looking to punch a ticket out of Group A.
Ahead of what is a month of wall-to-wall international action from the Middle East, we have taken a look at some of the big Group A talking points and who we belive will come out on top.
Expecting more Dutch dominance
Failing to qualify out in Russia four years ago and coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, Holland have embarked on a real resurge since bringing back Louis van Gaal for a third spell in charge.
Ending their exile from the world stage and with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, the Oranje breezed their way to Qatar earlier in the year and are in the midst of a remarkable purple patch.
Priced at 1/2 with 888sport to clinch top spot in Group A, the European icons make the trip out to Qatar enjoying a 15-match unbeaten run across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to June 2021.
Appearing to be riding quite the wave of momentum after booking their spot in the knockout stage of this year’s Nations League, the one-time Manchester United boss has seen his high-flying squad gain a string of plaudits.
Spearheaded by Barcelona outcast Memphis Depay who bagged 10 World Cup qualifying strikes in his 12 appearances, Holland should be regarded as a real dark horse contender this winter.
Can Senegal qualify without Mane?
While Senegal might know that they will need a minor miracle if they’re to clinch top spot in Group A ahead of the Oranje, the African giants opened November with a silver medal finish at the top of their agenda.
However, although Aliou Cisse’s side might find themselves priced at 4/5 with Betfair to follow Holland out of Group A this year, the Lions of Teranga have been hit with a huge blow.
Facing a tough test when they open their World Cup adventure against the Dutch on November 21st, it appears almost certain that attacking talisman Sadio Mane will not play any part in their group stage run.
The poster boy of Senegalese football and their nation’s all-time leading goalscorer, the Bayern Munich superstar suffered a tendon injury against Werder Bremen earlier in the month and his inclusion in Cisse’s squad was a shock to many.
While the ex-Liverpool forward might be in a race against time to play some part, Senegal must find a way to get the job done without Mane this winter if they’re to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2002.
Ecuador’s defensive steel could prove vital
While Qatar might make their first World Cup appearance on November 20th when they open a maiden winter tournament, there is no doubt that Ecuador will be looking to ruin the party.
Although it might be Senegal who are still tipped as the leading pick to follow Holland out of Group A, Gustavo Alfaro’s squad will be smelling the chance to spring an upset in the Middle East.
Despite La Tricolor missing out in Russia four years ago, the ex-Boca Juniors boss has seen his side gain a recent reputation for their rugged displays at the back.
Not shipping a single strike in any of their six pre-tournament friendly appearances, Ecuador have their sights firmly set on reaching the World Cup’s knockout stage for just a second time.
With the red-hot Enner Valencia already notching 15 strikes for Turkish heavyweights Fenerbahce since opening the 2022/23 campaign, Alfaro’s side will be desperate to lay down an early marker in Al Khor.
Opening their World Cup adventure priced at 5/4 with Unibet to find a route out of Group A, it could be worth keeping an eye out for Ecuador this month.
Who will win Group A?
While both Ecuador and Senegal will be dreaming of punching their knockout stage ticket, it is hard to see how either of them come past a Holland squad that are enjoying a real purple patch.
Breezing their way to Qatar without breaking much of a sweat and really finding their feet since reappointing van Gaal back in August, the Dutch are rightfully tipped as a runaway pick in Group A.
A squad that finds the mood in their camp at a real high and opening their World Cup adventure enjoying a 15-match unbeaten run across all competitions, we are expecting more Dutch dominance in the Middle East.
Hosting a squad of European-based superstars and relishing their return to the major tournament stage, Holland look well-prepared to make a statement in Qatar this winter.
Prediction: Holland to win Group A – 1/2 with 888sport
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