World Cup

Senegal vs Netherlands prediction

HINT: Netherlands ODDS: 8/13 11 NOV @ 16:00

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The Netherlands and Senegal will have been able to scout their remaining group stage opponents on Sunday before they go head-to-head in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener 24 hours later.

Louis van Gaal’s side come into this tournament in excellent form, having taken 16 points from a possible 18 in their UEFA Nations League campaign, in a group that included Belgium, Poland and Wales.

I can see Senegal getting out of this group and make it difficult for the Dutch in their opener, but I think the loss of Sadio Mane just days before the tournament will limit their goal threat versus their European opponents on Monday. Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt as part of an expected back three is pretty solid.

Going forward, Luuk de Jong could lead the line for van Gaal’s side, who has three tall strikers in his squad, with Vincent Janssen and Wout Weighorst as like-for-like replacements. But outside of the front man, the major threats should come from out wide through the likes of Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo and/or Steven Bergwijn.

The Dutch have Frenkie de Jong running the show in the middle of the park with Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind bombing on from wing back to put crosses into the box.

Whilst I don’t see the Netherlands as serious World Cup contenders I do think they will get off to a winning start, as the odds also suggest.

Best bet: Netherlands to win is 8/13 at BetFred