Holland vs. N. Ireland & Estonia - Euro qualifiers

With Depay likely unfit, would Koeman take risk and start Boadu and Steng up front with Babel?

 

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

 

You don't play for a draw. Especially with 1st place on the line

 

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).

 

Why do I get the feeling that the Dutch will draw Germany in the Euro 2020 group-stage regardless?

 

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.

 

1-0 with Van Dijk heading in the winner.

 

They lost, so all 3 of NL's group stage matches will be played in AMS.

 

^ Assuming they finish top 2 in the qualifying group, of course (didn't mean to jinx it).

 

What a terrible lineup again by Koeman. Berghuis Babel and Promes up front. I want to puke

 

Why not a target 9

 

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.

 

Any live stream

 

Veltman?