Netherlands vs Wales preview

June 3, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Netherlands vs WalesFresh from the 1-0 victory over Ghana, Netherlands will attempt to further improve their form ahead of the World Cup finals by defeating under-strength Wales side at Amsterdam ArenA.

With star players Bale, Ramsey and Williams missing, Chris Coleman will use the high-profile friendly to test some new players against world-class opposition.

Louis van Gaal has seriously rejuvenated the national team since taking over the reigns following the dismal performance at the Euro 2012, but his side have proved the lack of experience will not be a problem.

Oranje won their qualifying group in style, dropping mere two points in ten games despite facing the likes of Turkey, Romania and Hungary, among other sides.

Netherlands haven’t been too impressive at the start of their World Cup preparations, having shared spoils with Ecuador before recording a narrow win over Ghana, but it is clear the star players are saving their best performances for the tournament finals.

And with Wales arriving in Amsterdam without some key men, it is hardly surprising Oranje have been made 1.30 (3/10) favourites for the win.

Louis van Gaal has hinted he will switch to 4-4-2 formation for the Wales game, and there is a good chance we will see several changes to the starting line-up.

This is the first game since the boss announced his final World Cup squad and the final warm-up match before the tournament starts.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Vorm – Janmaat, Veltman, de Vrij, Kongolo – Depay, Clasie, de Jong, Sneijder – van Persie, Huntelaar.

Following a somewhat disappointing 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, Wales have shown some promise in international friendlies, hinting they might just be able to mount a serious challenge for a place at the Euro 2016.

After the 1-1 draw with Finland, the Dragons produced a very good performance to record a 3-1 win over Iceland, who were very close to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.

The national team chiefs then scheduled a friendly game against Netherlands hoping Chris Coleman’s charges would profit from testing their skills against one of world’s top sides, but once again, Wales will not be at full strength.

The likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Ashley Williams, Ben Davies, Sam Vokes and Jack Collison all miss out, whilst keeper Boaz Myhill has retired from international duty.

Taking all this into account, there is no value in backing Wales to avoid defeat, even if odds on them not to lose are 4.33 (10/3) at BetVictor.

Probable starting line-up (4-5-1): Hennessey – Gunter, Chester, Gabbidon, Taylor – Robson-Kanu, Allen, Huws, King, Ledley – Church.

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