Verdict: Netherlands to attain in each halves
Finest Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Lastly getting their World Cup qualifying journey underway on Saturday evening, the Netherlands will journey to Helsinki after they meet Finland.
Finland
Beginning with the hosts, whereas Finland might need opened their World Cup qualifying marketing campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Malta, it seems that was only a minor enhance for Jacob Friis’ camp. Coming underneath an enormous quantity of scrutiny final yr as they remarkably misplaced all of their six Nations League appearances by an combination rating of 13-2, the Eagle Owls have endured a public disaster over current instances. Final seen struggling a serious collapse away at Lithuania as they finally needed to accept a 2-2 stalemate, Finland have mustered only a sole win from any of their earlier 10 consecutive outings throughout all competitions. Hit with a 2-0 loss after they final welcomed Holland to Helsinki again in 2011, Friis’ downbeat squad shall be bracing themselves for a heavyweight problem right here.
Finland Crew Information
Making an emotional return to his homeland again in January and now taking part in his home soccer with HJK, former Norwich marksman Teemu Pukki ought to earn a record-breaking a one hundred and thirtieth worldwide cap. Ex-Leeds midfielder Glen Kamara has been included in Friis’ squad and may begin in the course of the park.
Whereas Lukas Hradecky is likely to be anticipated to go away German giants Bayer Leverkusen this summer time, the 35-year-old will preserve his spot between the sticks. Opening his qualifying account away in opposition to Lithuania again on March twenty fourth, Palermo striker Joel Pohjanpalo ought to play a number one function within the closing third.
Netherlands
As for the guests, whereas the Netherlands might need impressed many final summer time as they booked a EURO 24 semi-final spot, it’s honest to say that Ronald Koeman’s males have failed to seek out any current fluidity. Struggling Nations League heartbreak by the hands of reigning European champions Spain on March twenty third, the previous Barcelona boss has seen his squad muster only a single win from any of their earlier seven appearances throughout all competitions. Regardless of getting their Nations League journey underway with an action-packed 5-2 win in opposition to Bosnia & Herzegovina again in September, Koeman could have an actual headache over his aspect’s defensive struggles. In reality, Holland have mustered only a single clear sheet from their final 9 consecutive outings. However, excited to get their qualifying marketing campaign underway on Saturday evening, the Netherlands needs to be assured of laying down an early marker.
Netherlands Crew Information
Formally finishing his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen earlier within the week, former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken ought to begin between the sticks right here. Likewise, arriving at newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool final week, Jeremie Frimpong will characteristic in Helsinki and be a part of new teammate Virgil van Dijk on the again.
Whereas Memphis Depay might need didn’t make any actual affect since arriving at Brazilian giants Corinthians final yr, the 31-year-old has been included in Koeman’s squad. Serving to Barcelona full a well-known silverware sweep this season, Frenkie de Jong will begin in the course of the park.
Key Elements to Think about
- When the Netherlands final travelled to Helsinki again in 2011, Holland collected what was a routine 2-0 victory.
- The Netherlands are unbeaten in all of their 11 historic showdowns in opposition to Finland (10 wins, one draw).
- Together with shedding all of their six Nations League appearances final yr, Finland have recorded only a sole win from their earlier 10 outings throughout all fronts.
- Likewise, Finland have didn’t report a single aggressive win on house soil since again in November 2023.
- Holland have recorded only a single clear sheet from their final 9 appearances throughout all competitions.
Conclusion
Struggling actual Nations League heartbreak by the hands of Spain in March, Holland shall be determined to get their World Cup qualifying journey underway with an early assertion. Regardless of their current defensive struggles, the European giants needs to be excited by a visit to Helsinki on Saturday evening. Touchdown a 2-0 win after they final travelled to their Group G rivals again in 2011, they’ll meet a Finland squad who discover themselves on the coronary heart of a public disaster.
Verdict: Netherlands to attain in each halves
Finest Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: Luckster