In our Big Game Focus today, we take a look at tonight’s clash between the Netherlands and Germany in League A of the UEFA Nations League.
Both sides will see the match as an opportunity to close the gap on France, who lead Group 1 on four points after two matches. Germany could in fact overtake the French if they win by a margin of more than one goal. For the Dutch, defeat would be devastating as it would leave them pointless, and four behind the two other teams.
Here, we bring you a detailed preview of the game, including betting advice, team news and likely team line-ups for either side.
Betting tips
Netherlands have scored and conceded at least once in every one of their last four matches. Germany’s last match ended in a 2-1 victory over Peru last month. With critical points at stake here, neither side is likely to be going out for anything other than a win. Bet on Both Teams to Score at 1.60 here.
Timo Werner has started to find his best form for RB Leipzig this season, a factor that has been critical in the club’s ascension to second in the Bundesliga. He now has four goals in his last five matches, two of those in their 6-0 thrashing of Nürnberg last weekend. The youngster already has eight goals for the national team, a total he will be looking to add to tonight. Back Timo Werner as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 2.40 here.
Netherlands have scored five goals in their last four matches. All of those have come in the second half. Three of Germany’s last four goals (scored in four matches) have also come in the second periods of matches. Odds for Second Half With Most Goals are at 2.10 here.
Neither of these two sides is in particularly great form at the moment. The home side might however be more hard-pressed to find victory against a strong German team. After failing to qualify for the World Cup this year, the Netherlands are in a transition period that has seen them lose some of their most experienced players to retirement.
History is not on their side in this particular fixture, either. Although the two nations last did battle in 2012, the Germans have not lost to their opponents in five matches dating back to the 2004 Euros. Double Chance odds for Germany are at 1.30 here.
Team news
It could be a memorable international debut for PSV Eindhoven trio Steven Bergwijn, Denzel Dumfries and Pablo Rosario, who have all been named in the international squad for the first time. Arnaut Danjuma of Club Brugge is also a new face in Ronald Koeman’s squad.
Chelsea defender Antonio Rüdiger was omitted from the German squad following an injury whilst on club duty, while Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City midfielders Marco Reus and Ilkay Gündogan have also had to withdraw. The same is true for Bayer Leverkusen youngster Kai Havertz, who made his bow for Die Mannschaft in the game against Peru.
Likely line-ups
Netherlands: Cillessen; de Ligt, Blind, van Dijk; Babel, de Jong, Strootman, Dumfries; Wijnaldum, Promes; Depay
Germany: Neuer; Hector, Boateng, Hummels, Ginter; Kimmich; Kroos, Goretzka; Sané, Werner, Müller