The Green and White Army are a tough nut to crack, and Al Hain-Cole expects them to hold out until the second half against Ronald Koeman’s men
Northern Ireland will be hoping to take a huge step towards Euro 2020 qualification when they travel to Rotterdam to take on the Netherlands on Thursday.
Michael O’Neill’s men are currently level on points with Germany at the top of Group C, sitting three clear of their opponents having played one extra match.
Netherlands vs Northern Ireland latest odds
Having lost 6-0 in their last match on Dutch soil back in 2012, they are 20/1 (21.00) outsiders with bet365 to open up a six-point gap by pulling off a shock win at the Feyenoord Stadium.
The Oranje have only lost one of their last eight competitive fixtures on home soil, and are clear 1/6 (1.17) favourites to leapfrog their guests by coming out on top.
None of the hosts’ last 10 home games have resulted in draws, but you can get odds of 15/2 (8.50) on them being held to a stalemate here.
Netherlands vs Northern Ireland team news
Jeroen Zoet and Davy Propper have withdrawn from the home squad due to respective groin and hamstring injuries.
Jamal Lewis has dropped out with a knee injury, while former Scotland Under-21 winger Matty Kennedy could be in line for a debut after switching his international allegiance.
Netherlands vs Northern Ireland preview
Although understandable outsiders, the Green and White Army will certainly back themselves to frustrate their free-flowing opponents.
Indeed, they have conceded just four goals in six matches coming into this clash, and held out until the second half before conceding in the 2-0 defeat to Germany last time out.
Patience will therefore be required from Ronald Koeman’s side, who have scored 17 of their last 20 goals in the second half of matches.
Netherlands vs Northern Ireland predictions
All in all, even money (2.00) seems like decent value on the majority of the goalmouth action taking place after half-time for Northern Ireland’s sixth game in eight, as well as a fifth in six for the Netherlands.
All odds correct at time of publish. Please gamble responsibly.
Highest scoring half: Second for a 1.5pt stake at Evens (2.00) bet365
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