World Cup Qualifier – Netherlands vs Montenegro: Betting Preview

The Netherlands and Montenegro lock horns for the first time in history in a 2022 World Cup qualifier in Group G.

Both national teams have collected seven points from four games to sit level in second place. Thanks to a superior goal difference, the Netherlands hold the final playoff spot. That said, Group G leaders Turkey are just one point ahead as the battle for a ticket to Qatar reaches a boiling point.

The result at the Philips Stadion could prove critical for either side. Louis van Gaal, who takes charge of the Netherlands for the third time, had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Norway on his return last week. He’ll be keen to make amends on Saturday, although Montenegro cannot be underestimated. The Brave Falcons have performed above expectations as they seek to qualify in a major tournament for the first time in their 14-year history.

Let’s have a look at the form of both sides and the stats from their previous encounters to come up with a reasonable betting prediction.

Stats and analysis

The Netherlands enter the showdown with some decent stats from their last 10 World Cup qualifiers. The Oranje hit the target 2.5 times on average per game, scoring 25 goals along the way. They conceded a total of 13 goals, an average of 1.3 per game, as they held on for a clean sheet in 4 of those matches.

Montenegro aren’t exactly doing too bad themselves either. The Brave Falcons scored 19 times in the last 10 World Cup qualifiers, creating an average of just 1.9 goals per game. They also kept 2 clean sheets in these matches, conceding 13 goals, which is an average of 1.3 per game.

Facts and figures for Netherlands vs Montenegro

Fun stats Netherlands

• Netherlands unbeaten the last 3 matches in a row;
• Netherlands has won the last 4 matches in a row at home;
• Netherlands has won in the last 5 of 6 matches at home;
• Netherlands scored in the last 9 of 11 matches.

Fun stats Montenegro

• Montenegro scored in the last 15 of 17 matches;
• Montenegro scored the last 12 matches in a row when playing away;
• Montenegro conceded in the last 9 of 11 matches;
• Total goals was OVER 3.5 in Montenegro’s last 3 of 5 matches.

Form Guides

Hosts looking formidable.

The Netherlands will be out to extend their fine run of results lately. In their 3 latest outings, Louis van Gaal’s side achieved a 3-0 win against Macedonia and went on to a 2-0 defeat against the Czech Republic. Their latest game produced a 1-1 draw with Norway.

Mixed results for visitors.

It has been up and down for Montenegro going into this match as league results offer little sense of progress. In their last 3 matches, Miodrag Radulovic’s side played out a 0-0 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina, followed by a 3-1 defeat against Israel. Their most recent match brought a 2-2 draw against Turkey.

Netherlands vs Montenegro Fixture History

With Montenegro still being relatively new, they never played against the Netherlands before in World Cup or in any of it’s qualifying rounds.

Top marksman

Memphis Depay has certainly delivered the goods for the Netherlands in recent matches. Both he and his teammates hope he can add to his tally. Stevan Jovetic looks a pretty decent bet for Montenegro as well. Every opponent will have him singled out as a potential threat following the 4 goals he has managed recently.