The post-Koeman era begins on Friday for the Netherlands by hosting Poland for their UEFA Nations League opener.
Ronald Koeman’s departure for Barcelona in August has left the Netherlands without a permanent manager ahead of their Nations League opener against Poland at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
Interim boss Dwight Lodeweges may have temporarily filled the void left by Koeman, but the Dutch are not out of danger. In fact, they’re walking right into it in the form of Poland and Italy in the space of four days.
Friday’s opponents Poland in Group A1, meanwhile, have a point to prove. They were initially relegated to League B in the first edition of the Nations League until UEFA’s decision to expand groups to four teams for 2020/21 spared them their League A status.
Netherlands Form & Team News
The 2018/19 Nations League finalists, like their European counterparts, haven’t played football since November 2019. They had been on a strong run of form up to that point, winning seven and losing just two of their last 10 games.
Lodeweges has prepared for the lastest batch of fixtures by handing AZ Alkmaar left-back Owen Wijndal and PSV Eindhoven midfielder Mohamed Ihattaren their maiden call-ups. However, Daley Blind is out after collapsing in Ajax’s recent friendly against Hertha Berlin.
Norwich City goalkeeper Tim Krul and Feyenoord midfielder Leroy Fer, on the other hand, have won recalls to the national team.
Lyon right-back Kenny Tete also won a late call-up from the provisional squad as a replacement for Denzel Dumfries. The PSV Eindhoven captain may not be available for personal reasons. Therefore, Lodeweges called in a little back-up as Hans Hateboer was his only other right-back.
🦁 | Dit is de selectie voor de duels met Polen en Italië: https://t.co/BXZqDQ1Hx0.#TheNewWave #WeStartedSomething pic.twitter.com/eVzAsHQdhc
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) August 28, 2020
Poland Form & Team News
Poland proved their might by winning of their 10 games to finish top of Group G in their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign to book a spot in next summer’s championship.
Although Jerzy Brzeczek’s side didn’t fare so well in the inaugural Nations League campaign, losing and drawing two of their four games. However, they have won eight and lost just one of their last 11 outings in all competitions.
A strong result in Amsterdam would set the White and Reds up nicely for their next Group A1 clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina next Monday.
No Robert Lewandowski in the line-up, however, will leave an immense hole in the attack. The Bayern Munich star is recovering from the recent Champions League knockout rounds. Thus, he is unavailable to face the Netherlands.
Krzysztof Piatek will likely cover for the captain in the middle of the attack. While Leeds United pair Mateusz Klich and Jan Bednarek along with Adam Buksa of New England Revolution have won call-ups.
MAMY PEŁNĄ LISTĘ POWOŁANYCH na wrześniowe mecze reprezentacji Polski! 🇵🇱
Komunikat 👉 https://t.co/tgnOy7KeoV pic.twitter.com/Y9JfYjihdR
— Łączy nas piłka (@LaczyNasPilka) August 24, 2020
Match Facts
Betting Prediction
The Netherlands should have the edge on this one, considering their strong form in 2019 and home advantage. While a Lewandowski-less Poland may struggle to break the hosts’ defense, which contains a certain Virgil van Dijk.
Bet365 offers the best odds for a Dutch victory on Oddschecker on 8/15. If you fancy a draw, however, VBET is priced at 37/10. While an away win for Poland is available at 69/10 on Novibet.
All odds correct at the time of writing and susceptible to change.
Anytime Goalscorer – Memphis Depay
The former Manchester United man’s ligament problems are a thing of the past, and he returned in better shape than ever to help Lyon reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Depay, who has managed three goals and five assists in his last five outings for the Netherlands, also bagged a hat-trick in Lyon’s 4-1 opening day win over Dijon in Ligue 1 last week.
Sportnation has priced him at 13/10 on Oddschecker to score at any time against Poland.
All odds correct at the time of writing and susceptible to change.
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