Ace Football previews the UEFA Nations League match between the Netherlands and Bosnia, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
The Netherlands welcome Bosnia-Herzegovina to the Johan Cruyff Arena on Sunday evening in a must-win Nations League match. Anything less than victory could end their hopes of reaching the finals.
As things stand in Group A1, the hosts sit third in the table on five points from four games. Poland, who occupy the all-important top spot, are two points ahead on seven. While Bosnia are rock bottom on just two points.
But while qualification to the finals is out of the question for the visitors, they can still avoid relegation to League B – starting by beating the Netherlands in Amsterdam or holding them to a draw.
Netherlands Form & Stats
Frank de Boer has struggled to fill in as Ronald Koeman’s successor after drawing his opening three games. Therefore, he’ll be desperate to get a first win as Netherlands boss out of the way on Sunday.
A 1-1 friendly draw with Spain midweek, however, wasn’t a terrible result by all accounts. Especially as De Boer was without Virgil van Dijk and lost another star center-back in Nathan Ake to injury in only the sixth minute. They squandered some late chances to win the match, though.
The Netherlands’ home form may be a source of concern as well, having lost two of their last three games. They’re also winless in their last five games in all competitions (D3 L2) to pile even more pressure on them.
Aside from Teun Koopmeiners withdrawing with an injury, however, De Boer has confirmed he has a fully-fit squad to face Bosnia.
Key Team Stats
- Winless in their last five games in all competitions (D3 L2).
- Winless in their last three home games in all competitions (D1 L2).
- Under 1.5 goals in their last four home games in all competitions.
Bosnia-Herzegovina Form & Stats
The visitors, like their opponents, have struggled for form following a 2-0 friendly defeat to Iran at home on Thursday. It extended Dusan Bajevic’s winless run to six games (D2 L4), leaving the new manager under pressure already.
Bajevic knows anything but defeat on Sunday is a must if Bosnia are to avoid relegation to League B. It won’t be a straightforward task, though. Especially as the Dragons have lost six of their last eight away games (W1 D1).
That, on top of their recent goal struggles and the continued absence of star striker Edin Dzeko, suggests Bosnia will struggle again.
Key Team Stats
- Lost six of their last eight away games in all competitions (W1 D1).
- Lost six of their last 10 games in all competitions (W2 D2).
- Failed to score in their last three games in all competitions.
Squad Lists
Netherlands
Goalkeepers: Marco Bizot, Jasper Cillessen, Tim Krul.
Defenders: Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Blind, Hans Hateboer, Joel Veltman, Stefan de Vry, Owen Wijndal.
Midfielders: Donny van de Beek, Frenkie de Jong, Davy Klaassen, Koopmeiners, Georginio Wijnaldum, Tonny Vilhena, Ryan Babel, Steven Berghuis, Steven Bergwijn, Mohamed Ihattaren.
Forwards: Luuk de Jong, Donyell Malen, Memphis Depay, Quincy Promes, Calvin Stengs.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Sehic, Kenan Piric, Jasmin Buric.
Defenders: Sinisa Sanicanin, Adnan Kovacevic, Samir Zeljkovic, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Dennis Hadzikadunic, Sead Kolasinac, Bojan Nastic, Advan Kadusic, Branimir Cipetic, Darko Todorovic, Josip Corluka.
Midfielders: Rade Krunic, Stjepan Loncar, Vladan Danilovic, Miralem Pjanic, Gojko Cimirot, Amir Hadziahmetovic, Amer Gojak, Haris Hajradinovic, Deni Milosevic, Amar Rahmanovic, Benjamin Tatar, Almedin Ziljkic, Edin Visca, Ajdin Hasic.
Forwards: Armin Hodzic, Smail Prevljak, Aldin Turkes.
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
3 Players To Watch
Head-To-Head Analysis
The Netherlands and Bosnia have faced each other on just one occasion before now in a 0-0 Nations League draw in October 2020.
Here are some head-to-head stats of the two teams instead based on their form in the competition.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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