Netherlands - Republic of Ireland predictions and free betting tips [18/11/2023]

On Saturday, the Netherlands will host Ireland in round 9 of the group stage of the European Championship qualifiers at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. 

Potential Line-ups

Netherlands: Verbruggen; De Vrij, Van Dijk, Blind; Dumfries, Reijnders, Wieffer, Hartman; Simons, Weghorst, Gakpo.
Ireland: Kelleher; Doherty, Duffy, Scales, Manning; Knight, Cullen, Molumby; Sykes, Ferguson, Johnston.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands sit 2nd in the group and have yet to confirm their continental championship qualifications. The team currently boasts 12 points, with Greece following closely. Head coach Ronald Koeman utilises an attacking 3-4-3 system. The last round saw the Dutchmen clinch a decisive 1:0 victory at Greece. This win over their main qualifier competitor has brought peace to their supporters, virtually securing a Euro ticket already. All that's required now is to maintain form and avoid a slip. Under Coach Koeman, the Netherlands confidently amass points against middle-tier teams, struggling more against top squads. Added to this is a cluster of injuries among their defenders.

Ireland

Ireland suffered a disappointing qualifier run and will not rise above 4th place in the group. The only team they managed to overcome was Gibraltar, failing to consistently impose their play on rivals even at home. With 6 points to their name, Ireland secured a victory over Gibraltar in the last round with a 4:0 result. Coach Stephen Kenny used a 4-3-3 formation. The Irish side lacks big-name European stars, with many players featuring in the lower tiers of British football. So, their early exit from the Euro qualification run comes as no surprise.

Past Encounters

The rivals have contested 21 matches, the Netherlands winning 10 and losing 7. In the first leg, Ireland was defeated at home with a score of 1:2, with the goal for the Dutch team scored by Weghorst.

Match Prediction for the Netherlands vs Ireland

In this match-up, it might be worth to bet on Irish handicap; there won't likely be a thrashing here. 

Prediction on the Total Goals Scored

The Netherlands will not press hard in their home game; thus, I'm predicting a TU outcome for this match.