UEFA Nations League
Netherlands v France Preview
World Champions France travel to Rotterdam to face the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on Friday night.
Victory for Les Bleus would see them qualify for the UEFA Nations League finals and a chance to win the inaugural tournament in June.
The French have been impressive so far and haven’t suffered a World Cup hangover.
Their manager Dider Deschamps will be hoping they can build on their victory against Germany last time out.
Meanwhile, Holland will be hoping they can continue their resurgence under new boss Ronald Koeman.
The Dutch demolished Germany in their last UEFA Nations League encounter and know a victory over France would give them a chance to reach the UEFA Nations League finals.
Having missed out on qualification for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, there is a sense that the Netherlands have turned a corner and boast some talented young players once again.
Team News
France are missing some big names for the trip to Rotterdam.
The likes of Paul Pogba and his Manchester United teammate Anthony Martial are out injured.
They will also be without full-back Benjamin Mendy who is requiring an operation on his injured knee.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands have called up midfielders Marco Bizot and Javairo Dilrosun both of whom will be looking to win their first cap.
Also, Justin Kluivert, Eljero Elia, Jeffery Bruma and Daryl Janmaat haven’t been selected.
Previous Encounters
The two countries have met 27 times, with France leading 13 wins to 10, and four draws.
France won their most recent meeting in September, thanks to a goal from Oliver Giroud, which helped secure a 2-1 victory in their first home game since winning the World Cup.
A classic meeting between both nations was at Euro 2000. The Netherlands came back from behind twice, as they defeated the then World Champions 3-2 in Amsterdam.
The French have had the better of their most recent clashes, winning the last five meetings between both countries.
Predicted Line-Ups
France (4-2-3-1) Lloris, Pavard, Kimpembe, Varane, Hernandez, Kante, Matuidi, Mbappe, Griezmann, Dembele, Giroud
Netherlands (4-3-3) Cillessen, Dumfries, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Blind, Wijnaldum, F.De Jong, Strootman, Promes, Depay, Babel
Prediction
After failing to qualify for the last two major tournaments, the Netherlands do look like they are showing the shoots of recovery.
The current Dutch side may not be at the same level as previous generations, but do boast a number of talented young players who are beginning to emerge.
Ajax duo Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs De Ligt will become key players for the Dutch for years to come.
They will be full of confidence having defeated Germany last month. However, this will be a tough test.
France have been impressive in the UEFA Nations League and have a wealth of talent at their disposal.
It will be interesting to see how they cope without Paul Pogba in midfield. However, Dider Deschamps has plenty of options to choose from.
The De Kuip stadium is known as one of the most hostile venues in the Netherlands and given that they are coming up against a resurgence Dutch side, this will be a tough test for France.
That said France should have enough to win and book their place in the UEFA Nations League finals.
Prediction: Netherlands 1-2 France
Photo credit to OnsOranje via Twitter
