The Netherlands managed to start their UEFA Nations League campaign with a victory on Friday as they beat Poland and they will be hoping to keep that winning momentum going on Monday night.
Without Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands were under severe pressure to prove they could carry on their recent form and Dwight Lodeweges’ side delivered the goods with a 1-0 win.
On Monday, they face a tougher test in the shape of Italy, but the Netherlands look like they mean business after several years of disappointment.
Dutch to Chalk up Another Victory
The Dutch are available at odds of 27/20 and that looks a good price, given the fact Italy come into the game off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The Azzurri do have the better record between the two, with Italy unbeaten in their last five matches against the Netherlands.
Italy have won their last six matches away from home, but this should be their toughest test for some while.
While Italy’s form is strong, they have not beaten the Netherlands in a competitive match since 1975 and the home side look good value to grab all three points.
Difficult Fixtures For the Home Nations
Northern Ireland, Scotland and England are all back in action over the next few days, and all three teams will need to be at their best with some competitive fixtures to come.
Ian Baraclough’s Northern Ireland welcome Norway to Windsor Park on Monday evening, just days after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Romania.
Captain Steven Davis is set to equal Pat Jennings’ record of 119 caps and he will be doing all he can to steer his team to victory.
Northern Ireland have lost six of their last seven games against Norway in all competitions, although they did win the last battle in 2017.
Norway will be confident of grabbing the win, having kept a clean sheet in four of their last six meetings with Northern Ireland.
Baraclough’s side are still getting used to his tactics and they could be some value in backing Norway to win to nil at odds of 41/20.
Scotland will face the unexpected on Monday when they face the Czech Republic in Olomouc.
The home side and their coaching staff are in quarantine amid Covid-19 concerns so Scotland will need to readjust and prepare for a different starting XI to take to the field.
Steve Clarke is set to make changes after Scotland’s opening draw with Israel, and they are 27/20 to win to nil on Monday.
On Tuesday, England travel to Denmark for their second game of the Nations League.
They were not at their best against Iceland on Saturday but still managed to record a 1-0 win.
Gareth Southgate’s side should have learned from the weekend and they have a good record against the Danes, who have won just one of their last eight competitive games against England.
Croatia Out for Revenge in World Cup Final Repeat
France and Croatia meet in the Nations League on Tuesday, two years after France beat their rivals in the World Cup final in Russia.
That was the last meeting between the pair and Croatia head into the battle on the back of a 4-1 defeat to holders Portugal.
Didier Deschamps’ squad should have too much for Croatia once again, but with so much at stake, Zlatko Dalic’s side should grab a goal at least.
With that in mind, France to win and both teams to score is a solid bet at odds of 49/20.
*All odds correct at time of writing
