Wijnaldum is also questionable now. He has the flu: https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/595821602/depay-onzeker-wijnaldum-traint-niet
It's always a tricky situation to throw in 18 or 20 years old kid to the line of fire... not only for the team's balance, but also for their sake of their development. One costly mistake and it can set them back, in terms of their morale. This is a match that I expect NI would go all-out as they are still alive and can still make it to Euro 2020 with a back-to-back win, as unlikely as it may sound. If Memphis is indeed out, I think Koeman would play it safe and go with his old guards. Promes is a lock, he's been stellar at Ajax and for Oranje lately. Babel would go into the starting line-up due to his experience. For the last spot, I would wager on Luuk De Jong, also for his familiarity with the system and given the needs to defend long balls and set pieces (and he is still on cloud nine after the winning goal this past weekend ) Against Estonia, assuming a qualification is secured, bring on Boadu and Stengs - school is in recess, let's the kids come out and play!
I prefer to put a strong midfield with Donny and De Roon. I wouldn’t mind to include Ake either honestly. De Roon Ake Frenkie Van de Beek and Promes upfront. We only need a draw. Then in halftime bring on Stengs and Boadu skills. Let’s try to be conservative since we don’t have our stars
Personally I don't like starting Babel Promes and LDJ/Weghorst. Perhaps Babel Promes Steng or Babel Promes Depay (he may be fit at game time).
Group seeding is overrated Oranje seem to do well in an underdog situation, when everybody counting them out. When they are favorite, they tend to cave under pressure. Especially, since this is a young team, let them fly under the radar!! That being said, I think this match vs. NI is a type of game that tends to bring the best out of this Oranje team. NI will go gung-ho on offense knowing this is their last chance to survive, leaving a ton of space in the back. Koeman would be busy drawing out plays for counter-attacks!! Hope the defense is rock solid, and can we tie-wrap De Ligt's arm to his waist so he doesn't give way stupid handballs. My prediction, Oranje 2 the other guys 0. Babel MoTM
Wait, of course this is not possible. Also matters less with the 24-team format. What matters more is the Pot 4 team that you get drawn with and whether or not Romania qualifies.
We want Romania to lose today. If Sweden win NL gets an extra host city in the summer: https://www.ad.nl/buitenlands-voetbal/resultaat-roemenen-belangrijk-voor-oranje~acbc1f9d/
Holland win their group with 1 or 2 wins (I think....LOL). I think we win it either or, but I'm not sure which is which....LOL
We will see shortly. I guess he does not want to put Stengs in the starting lineup for his first cap. The only issue I have is with Babel at #9, Luukino and Weghorst would be better choices. I don't mind Berghuis as it's always useful to have a token Feyenoord player in the lineup.
NI is going to have to attack so we will have more space and opportunities than in the first game. It’s too bad Memphis is out but I think we’ll be fine.