MX23RW : Thursday, December 12 01:57:09| >> :600:510179:510179:
[monks data]
Netherlands national football team
Friendlies 1
Nov 11, 2020 at 7.45pm UK
Johan Cruijff Arena
Spain national football team

Netherlands
1 - 1
Spain

FT(HT: 0-1)
Canales (18')
Reguilon (49'), Olmo (84')

Preview: Netherlands vs. Spain - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's international friendly between the Netherlands and Spain, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

The Netherlands take on Spain in a high-profile friendly at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on Wednesday evening.

Spain suffered a surprise 1-0 loss to Ukraine last time out, while the hosts enter this fixture winless in four matches.


Match preview

Spain players celebrate Mikel Oyarzabal's goal against Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League on October 10, 2020© Reuters

The Netherlands would have entered this year's European Championship finals among the favourites had they gone ahead as planned, but instead they are in a bit of a crisis.

That is by their high standards, at least, having seen head coach Ronald Koeman jump ship to Barcelona and replacement Frank de Boer start his reign with a three-game winless run.

Add the long-term absence of influential defender Virgil van Dijk to the mix and it is clear to see why the mood has been so low around the Dutch camp.

After losing 1-0 to Mexico in a friendly and drawing 0-0 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in a UEFA Nations League clash, Oranje did at least score their first goal under De Boer last time out.

Donny van de Beek's maiden international goal cancelled out Lorenzo Pellegrini's opener to earn the Netherlands a creditable 1-1 draw against Italy in Bergamo.

De Boer's men find themselves third in Nations League Group A1, two points behind leaders Poland, whom they take on next week.

Before that is a home match with Bosnia-Herzegovina and this visit of Spain, who are also in need of a pick-me-up on the back of an underwhelming October.

Netherlands's Steven Bergwijn celebrates scoring against Poland in the UEFA Nations League on September 4, 2020© Reuters

Luis Enrique's side drew 0-0 with Portugal and lost 1-0 to Ukraine, either side of edging out Switzerland through a solitary strike from Mikel Oyarzabal.

One goal from three matches is a little worrying for La Roja and something Enrique will be looking to put right, starting with this trip to the Dutch capital.

Spain's priority will be the upcoming Nations League Group A4 games with Switzerland and Germany, however, with the 2010 World Cup winners one point clear at the top.

This will be the first meeting between the two European giants since a friendly five years ago, which Spain won 2-0.

Netherlands form (all competitions): WWLLDD

Spain form (all competitions): WDWDWL


Team News

Ansu Fati celebrates scoring for Spain on September 6, 2020© Reuters

Marcos Llorente has been included in Spain's senior squad for the first time, while Alvaro Morata and Koke are back involved following a recent absence.

Given his side's lack of goals of late, Enrique may opt to give Llorente - now used further forward - and Morata a chance to shine in Amsterdam.

Rodrigo Moreno is absent from the squad after contracting coronavirus, as is the injured Thiago Alcantara.

Elsewhere, Hector Bellerin was added to the squad on Saturday following Jesus Navas's withdrawal, while Ansu Fati is another who has dropped out of the initial squad.

As for the Netherlands, Ajax star Davy Klaassen is back involved and may earn his first cap since October 2017.

Krasnodar midfielder Tonny Vilhena and Crystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt are also back involved.

With the Nations League taking priority, this might be the game for certain fringe players to be given a run out.

Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Krul; Hateboer, De Vrij, Ake, Van Aanholt; Van de Beek, Klaassen, Wijnaldum; Berghuis, Depay, Babel

Spain possible starting lineup:
Kepa; Navas, Ramos, P.Torres, Gaya; Canales, Rodri, Merino; Olmo, Llorente; Morata


SM words green background

We say: Netherlands 1-1 Spain

Spain are in need of some momentum, having gone nearly a year since last winning back-to-back matches.

The Netherlands are in a similar position, seeking their first win under De Boer, and we can see both of those runs being prolonged in a score draw on Wednesday.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Away Win:data


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Written by
Daniel Lewis
No Data Analysis info

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Game History

Who will win Wednesday's international friendly between the Netherlands and Spain?

Netherlands
30.5%
Draw
27.3%
Spain
42.2%
187
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