Senegal v Netherlands
Kick Off: 16:00
Competition: World Cup 2022
Watch Live: ITV One
Fresh from topping their Nations League group, The Netherlands take on African champions Senegal in a very interesting opening match for both sides. In Group A, these two should be finishing top, and the Dutch are fancied by a good number of football followers to go far in the competition and even be considered to be dark horses to win the competition.
In terms of injury news, the Netherlands’ main marksman Memphis Depay is unlikely to start the match, and Senegal’s key man Sadio Mané is out of the tournament completely. Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal, in an emotional third and final time in charge of his country, confirmed Vincent Janssen is to start in Depay’s place, which is a potential blow to the Dutch’s attacking play, losing someone so creative and prolific at international level. As for Mané, Senegal will be missing one of the world’s finest forward players.
The Netherlands come into this fifteen unbeaten under van Gaal since he took over, so a scalp for the African side is unlikely. The Dutch are difficult to beat; their best players are defenders in a 3-5-2 system, and van Gaal has instilled a team spirit that sees the Dutch bounce back in games if things are not going their way.
Senegal are known to also be quite a solid side. Without Mané, they may become toothless and the Netherlands can take advantage. The heavily criticised Ajax player Daley Blind, who will be playing at left-wing back, will be breathing a huge sigh of relief that Mané will not be running at him for 90 minutes.
Ultimately, this is likely to be a draw between two sides feeling each other in the early stages, knowing two wins in the other two games sees them comfortably through, or this could be a narrow Netherlands win.
Selection: 1 of 3
Prediction: Ismaila Sarr to have 1+ Shot on Target
Odds: 2.0
Ismaila Sarr is averaging 2.6 shots and 0.9 shots on target per game for Watford in his favoured left wing position this season. He started Senegal’s last match against Iran after missing the previous 4 matches for the national team. He had 4 shots, 2 of which were on target.
The onus will be on the forward now Sadio Mane has been ruled out of the tournament. Sarr has made 47 appearances for his country; scoring 10 goals. He has also been in good form for Watford. Sarr has scored 6 and assisted 4 in the Championship this season so he won’t be short of confidence.
The Netherlands are Senegal’s toughest group opponents. This game will be viewed as a bit of a free hit and I expect the African side to have a go if they fall behind.
Selection: 2 of 3
Prediction: Daley Blind to Commit 1+ Foul
Odds: 1.44
At Ajax, Daley Blind has not been in the best of form at all. He even lost his starting spot in the side. Van Gaal has stated that Blind will be starting each game throughout the competition in the left-wing back position, which he has filled for a good while now. The head coach also commented that Blind plays a different position for the Netherlands, so his form for Ajax won’t affect his decision to be in the side.
Being out wide, Blind can offer lots on the ball to create attacking opportunities; however, when faced with a one-on-one with a pacey attacker (step forward Ismaila Sarr or Iliman Ndiaye), Blind can struggle. With all considered, expecting Blind to make one foul in this game should be expected, especially with Blind’s ‘experienced’ head.
Selection: 3 of 3
Prediction: Vincent Janssen to have 1+ Shot on Target
Odds: 1.36
Vincent Janssen is well known for his time struggling with Tottenham. After a mixed spell in Mexico, the Dutch striker returned to Europe this summer to creep his way back into the Dutch set up. Before the World Cup, van Gaal commented that Janssen is “the perfect type of striker” for the Dutch national team, but everyone can see that the ex-AZ forward is not quite the player Oranje can rely upon for goals.
Since being recalled to the national side, Janssen averaged two shots per game in his two caps. Add to this Janssen’s form for Antwerp, where he has averaged 2.4 shots per game. His form since returning to Europe is what has ultimately landed him a spot in the Netherlands squad for this tournament, scoring nine times in 13 starts in Belgium. With this confidence, Janssen will be heavily involved in the game without Memphis, so expect him to get at least one shot on target.
Written by an Andy verified content writer
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