France will host the Netherlands in their second match of the UEFA Nations League and the Big Game Focus takes a closer look.
Les Bleus were held to a 0-0 draw by Germany in their first match in the Uefa Nations League after winning the 2018 World Cup. They will be hoping to go one better with three points when they play host to the Netherlands.
The Dutch were 2-1 winners on Wednesday against Peru after coming from behind as they bid farewell to Wesley Sneijder who has since retired from international football.
France have a superior record against their opponents and they are considerably stronger. As a matter of fact, the last meeting ended 4-0 in favour of Didier Deschamps’ men in a match where Kevin Strootman was sent off.
Betting preview
Three of the last five fixtures between the two sides have seen Over 2.5 Goals and there is a very good likelihood for this to happen again since the visitors do not necessarily have the best defence. You can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 2.50 here.
The Netherlands have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three consecutive outings, but they have managed to score during that period. There is value in backing Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.80 this way.
France will be playing at home in addition to having an incredible record against the visitors. Therefore there is value in backing a Home Win at odds of 1.45 here.
Team news
Alphonse Areola is expected to start in goal after his stunning performance against Germany on Thursday night. Deschamps will have a hard time choosing between Benjamin Mendy and Lucas Hernandez who are angling at starting at left back.
Daryl Janmaat, Patrick van Aanholt and Stefan de Vrij will all be fighting for starting berth in defence for the visitors. We are also likely to see a change in the system from Ronald Koeman who is trying to adapt to life without Sneijder.
Possible lineups
France: Areola, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Mendy, Mbappe, Pogba, Kante, Matuidi, Giroud, Griezmann.
Natherlands: Cillessen, Dijk, Blind, Ligt, Janmaat, Strootman, Wijnaldum, Aanholt, Kluivert, Depay, Babel.