All the goals arrived in the final 15 minutes of the reverse encounter between O’Neill’s men and the Oranje, and Al Hain-Cole expects more late action
Northern Ireland will be hoping to keep their chances of automatic qualification alive when they welcome the Netherlands to Windsor Road in Saturday’s Euro 2020 qualifier.
Only a victory would ensure Michael O’Neill’s men go into their final Group C game against Germany still in contention for a top two spot, although a draw could be enough should the Germans suffer a shock defeat against Belarus.
Northern Ireland vs Netherlands latest odds
However, they are 7.50 outsiders with Sportsbet to pull off a famous win against a side they have not beaten since 1965.
Meanwhile, the Oranje need just a point to confirm their place in next summer’s Euros, but are 1.33 favourites to come away with all three.
Just three of the hosts’ last 30 fixtures have resulted in draws, but you can get odds of 4.33 on them playing out a stalemate in this one.
Northern Ireland vs Netherlands team news
Will Grigg and Jordan Jones have been omitted from the squad following injuries, although St Johnstone winger Matty Kennedy could be in line for his international debut after switching his allegiance from Scotland.
Memphis Depay will face a late fitness test after suffering a recurrence of an old thigh injury, while Georginio Wijnaldum is also a doubt as he recovers from the flu.
Northern Ireland vs Netherlands preview
The Green and White Army were close to pulling off a famous victory in the reverse encounter in Rotterdam, taking the lead with just 15 minutes to go before conceding three times in the final 10.
This is fairly typical of Ronald Koeman’s men, who have scored 15 of their last 18 goals in the second half of matches and conceded before the break in only three of their last eight matches.
Northern Ireland vs Netherlands predictions
Considering Northern Ireland have scored seven of their eight goals in the group after half-time and conceded just twice in the opening 45, odds of 2.00 seem generous on the majority of the goalmouth action taking place in the second period once again versus the Netherlands.
Odds correct at the time of publish. Please gamble responsibly. Check out the latest football odds at Sportsbet.
Highest-scoring half: second for a 2pt stake at 2.00 with Sportsbet
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