UEFA Nations League

[monks data]

Nations League | League A

Nov 18, 2020 at 7.45pm UK

National Stadium

Poland
1 - 2
Netherlands

Jozwiak (6')
Krychowiak (14'), Bednarek (77'), Jozwiak (82')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Depay (77' pen.), Wijnaldum (84')

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

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: November 16 2020 | 11:15

Last updated: June 5 2024 | 13:46

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Nations League clash between Poland and Netherlands, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Poland and Netherlands square off in Chrozow on Wednesday evening knowing that they both require victory to retain hope of qualifying for the UEFA Nations League Finals.

The visitors head into the contest holding a one-point advantage over their hosts, whose 2-0 defeat in Italy gifted Gli Azzurri control of League A Group 1.

Match preview

Atlanta United head coach Frank de Boer pictured in October 2019 © Reuters

With Sunday's 3-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina representing his first win as Netherlands boss, Frank de Boer will be relieved that some of the pressure has eased on his side's progress on the international scene.

However, this group of players has been trending in the right direction since last month's draw in Italy, and De Boer will be optimistic that Oranje can at least finish in second position in this group.

Unless Bosnia-Herzegovina can pull off a shock against Italy, that is the best that Netherlands can hope for, but this group of players would take the positives if they can extend their unbeaten streak to five matches.

The long-term absence of captain Virgil van Dijk remains a blow, although an injury to fellow centre-back Nathan Ake has resulted in other defenders being forced to step up during an important period.

Georginio Wijnaldum responded to being handed the skipper's armband by netting an early double on Sunday, his first international goals of the year after scoring eight times during 2019.

As far as Poland are concerned, they need to find a response to losing their grip of top spot in the group courtesy of the setback in Italy.

A draw would have been enough to put Jerzy Brzeczek's side in a favourable position ahead of their next outing, but Bialo-czerwoni were well beaten in Reggio.

The result ended a run of three games without conceding a goal, but Brzeczek will be placing far more emphasis on attack in this game as they bid to give themselves every chance of regaining first position.

Given their inferior head-to-head record with Italy, only a win over Netherlands and success for Bosnia-Herzegovina over Italy will provide them with progress into the Finals.

Poland Nations League form: LWDWL
Poland form (all competitions): WWDWWL

Netherlands Nations League form: WLDDW
Netherlands form (all competitions): LLDDDW

Team News

Poland head coach Jerzy Brzeczek pictured on November 15, 2020 © Reuters

Brzeczek will be unable to call upon Jacek Goralski, who was sent off after being introduced as a substitute on Sunday.

Kamil Grosicki is expected to come into the team on the flank, while it would not come as a surprise if either Arkadiusz Milik or Krzysztof Piatek were drafted into the side.

De Boer could hand a recall to Donny van de Beek, potentially as a replacement for Davy Klaassen who played 90 minutes at the weekend.

Donyell Malen may be drafted into the attack if De Boer opts to rest Luuk de Jong, who has already been involved in 18 matches for club and country since September 4.

Poland possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Bednarek, Reca; Krychowiak, Moder; Szymanski, Linetty, Grosicki; Lewandowski

Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Krul; Dumfries, De Vrij, Blind, Wijndal; Van de Beek, Wijnaldum, F.De Jong; Berghuis, Malen, Depay

SM words green background

We say: Poland 1-1 Netherlands

Both teams will head into this fixture looking for maximum points, while hoping that Bosnia-Herzegovina can do them a favour elsewhere. However, there is a realistic chance of second spot being the best that either side can hope for, and that could lead to the visitors doing enough for a share of the spoils.

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.