Netherlands vs Spain preview

March 30, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Netherlands vs SpainWith the last two matches between Netherlands and Spain producing plenty of fireworks, chances are we will see a cracking affair at Amsterdam ArenA.

And while Oranje hope to make amends for the poor showing against Turkey, La Furia Roja still have the 5-1 loss at the 2014 World Cup fresh in their minds.

Netherlands enjoyed a thoroughly impressive 2014 World Cup, having achieved a third-place finish in style, and they were quite unfortunate not to reach the final after losing the semis on penalties.

However, problems arose when Louis van Gaal left the post, with Guus Hiddink’s return not exactly going according to the plan.

Oranje have already suffered three slip-ups in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, losing to Czech Republic and Iceland, while salvaging one point against Turkey by scoring deep into injury time.

As a result, Netherlands already sit five points behind automatic qualifying berths and they desperately need a morale-boosting victory to turn things around.

And with Oranje hammering Spain 5-1 last time out, they are now available at 2.90 (19/10) with Betfair to do it all over again.

While the likes of Van Persie, Robben, Strootman and Vlaar continue to miss out, Guus Hiddink is expected to make some changes, with Jordy Clasie and Daryl Janmaat tipped to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Krul – Janmaat, de Vrij, Martins Indi, Willems – Sneijder, Clasie, Blind – Narsingh, Huntelaar, Depay.

Spain’s world dominance effectively ended with the 5-1 defeat to Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup that eventually saw Vicente Del Bosque’s side crash out in the group stage.

The interesting thing is that La Furia Roja had beaten Oranje to the coveted title at the previous tournament, with Andres Iniesta scoring the winner in extra time.

The next fixture between the old foes will have no major significance, although both teams will want to show some improvement on their recent performances.

Spain have been far from convincing in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, losing to Slovakia early on before toiling in the 1-0 victory over Ukraine last weekend.

But, with Vicente Del Bosque set to introduce some new players for Tuesday’s clash, there may be value in odds of 2.62 (13/8) offered on away win.

Juan Bernat will replace injured Jordi Alba on the left flank, while Sergio Busquets is unlikely to be risked having just returned from injury.

The likes of David De Gea, Daniel Carvajal, Mario Suarez and Cesc Fabregas are all tipped to start in what will be a much changed side.

Probable starting line-up (4-1-4-1): De Gea – Carvajal, Bartra, Ramos, Bernat – Mario Suarez – Silva, Koke, Fabregas, Isco – Morata.

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