Northern Ireland v Netherlands

SCOUTING REPORT Andy Greeves takes a closer look at Netherlands’ squad ahead of this evening’s UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier

during the game as the Oranje switched between 3-1-4-2, 3-4-2-1 and 3-4-1-2 set-ups. While the Netherlands adopted a rather compact structure for that match against Germany they played a more expansive game in their recent 2-1 win in Belarus. STRENGTHS Having scored 19 goals in six Group C fixtures to date, the Netherlands’ attacking threat is obvious. The Dutch frontline is fluid and it is common for their attacking players to switch positions during a game, making it difficult to mark them. With a host of defenders that are comfortable on the ball, the Dutch typically look to play out from the back. While the Netherlands are renowned for their patient, possession-based game, they are quick to exploit gaps in their opponent’s defence and also have a number of midfielders, such as Frenkie De Jong, who are keen to drive forward with the ball. The Dutch have many goal threats in their squad, including Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum, who netted twice in the recent win in Belarus. Memphis Depay is Group C’s top scorer with six strikes in five appearances, while he netted twice in six UEFA Nations League A appearances, making two assists in the process.

LOWDOWN By virtue of their performance in the UEFA Nations League the Netherlands are already guaranteed a place in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying play-offs. The Oranje would all but guarantee their place at the finals next summer with a victory this evening ahead of their final qualifying match at home to Estonia on Tuesday. Holland’s impressive Group C campaign to date, which has seen them win five and lose just one of their qualifying fixtures, included a 4-2 away victory over rivals Germany back in September. Germany only won 3-2 in the Netherlands earlier in the year, meaning the Dutch – who are tied with the Germans at the top of Group C on 15 points – have the advantage in terms of head-to-head goal difference, which could prove all-important with regards to automatic qualification if Northern Ireland win their next two matches by a particular goal margin. TACTICS The Netherlands typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation that can appear more like a 4-2-3-1 formation when they are out of possession. In their victory in Germany in September Koeman opted to select a back three, with varieties of the 3-5-2 system in evidence

POSSIBLE LINE-UP GK Jasper Cillessen RB Joël Veltman CB Virgil van Dijk CB Nathan Aké LB Daley Blind MF Frenkie de Jong MF Georginio WijnaldumMF Donny van de Beek FW Quincy Promes FWMemphis Depay FW Donyell Malen

Many thanks to journalist Fabian Zerche (www.spox.com/at) for his assistance in the writing of this article.