UEFA Nations League: Netherlands vs. Belgium Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Netherlands and Belgium meet on Sunday night to decide about the top spot in their UEFA Nations League assembly. Whoever wins here would proceed to fight for the trophy. Oranje has an advantage because they had success in Brussels, 1-4, meaning that the Belgian side needs to triumph with at least three goals to jump over their big rivals. We have to say that such an outcome seems pretty distant and even impossible, yet our experience has taught us never to think that way. Football often provides massive surprises.

Preview

Netherlands (+210) was better on the road than Poland, 0-2, which was their first meeting after six straight clean sheets. Only for the third time in the last ten events we saw this, which certainly boosted the morale of the Dutch unit who did struggle to provide consistency in the back line.

On the other hand, scoring two goals is something normal for Oranje, who did that for the ninth time in the most recent ten clashes. Their offensive mentality has been a trademark of the national team for the previous few decades.

After the EURO, the Netherlands had eight home games, winning six of them and posting two draws. They are relentless at home, often inflicting the rivals very high defeats because they score plenty of goals at the Amsterdam Arena.

Belgium (+100) was better than Wales at home on Thursday night, 2-1. This was the third victory for the Devils in the previous four events, posting a draw against the same opponent only on the road.

Very important news is that Belgium appeared without Romelu Lukaku, who is injured, and without Divock Origi as well, but managed to deliver offensively. The Devils have to chase a big win, so this comes as an encouraging moment.

Belgium has one win in the past five games on the road, with the previous three ending without winners, and all with both teams netting. Roberto Martinez needs to find a way to pull out a big surprise, otherwise, Belgium remains second.

Latest News

Memphis Depay picked up an injury against Poland. His status is not clear at the moment, so you will need to follow updates from Oranje’s medical team.

As said, Lukaku and Origi are not available for the hosts.

Head to Head Games

The previous game was in June, in Brussels, when we saw Oranje demolishing Belgium in front of their own crowd, 1-4. It was a slap in the face for the Devils, who allowed three goals in 14 minutes midway through the second half.

Since 1997, the two neighboring states have played ten games, and only eight of them saw both teams netting.

Prediction

Both the Netherlands and Belgium are very offensive-minded crews, and regardless of the circumstances, they will attack and try to hurt the rivals early on. Simply that’s the way they play. In our opinion, we expect the same approach; therefore, high efficiency and a contest concluding with at least three goals are inevitable. Add both teams to score to this, and there is our pick. The odds on that are currently -105.

Pick: Both teams to score -105