UEFA Nations League: Netherlands vs. Wales Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Amsterdam Arena host a battle between the Netherlands and Wales tonight, in the fourth round of the UEFA Nations League tournament. The Dutch side holds the top spot in the standings, while the Dragons sit last in group 4 of the A league, without a win after three events. They need to do something in order to avoid the relegation, and the best way to start that operation would be to stay unbeaten here. Yet, with the Netherlands in solid shape, that will be a tough task.

Preview

The Netherlands (-205) opened the competition with two wins in a row and then failed to beat Poland at home. It was a very dramatic match that saw the hosts falling behind the Poles 0-2, but after that, we witnessed them blitzing back into the game with two quick goals.

Eventually, Oranje had a chance to win, but Memphis Depay missed a penalty in the 90+1, and his team was left shorthanded in this one. But still, the Netherlands can’t be disappointed with how they performed until now. They have rolled over Belgium on the road, 1-4, and after that beat Wales on the road as well, 1-2.

The last five of their games were all with over 2.5 goals and with both teams netting. In the past ten events, only two were without at least three goals, and six were with four or more, and that tells you that Oranje plays flamboyant and efficient football.

Wales (+600) are still under the impression of reaching the World Cup, playing this UNL relaxed and without any imperative. Gareth Bale didn’t play like some other superstars, having more rest than they did.

The Dragons opened the competition with a loss in Poland, 2-1, but that one wasn’t important for them because they had a World Cup playoffs finals three days later at home, to Ukraine, whom they beat 1-0. It was the first time this nation reached the WC in six decades.

In the upcoming event, Wales lost at home to the Netherlands, 1-2, and then played 1-1 against Belgium three days ago. Eight of the last 10 games have ended with both teams scoring, which is the only notable pattern we’ve found regarding the efficiency of their events.

Latest News

Van Gaal has some doubts about whom to rest, and who to start, but overall, he has all of the players at his disposal.

On the other side, Joe Allen is questionable, and he could be out for tonight’s event.

Head to Head Games

The game in Cardiff ended 1-2. Koopmeiners brought the lead to the guests in the 50th minute, and until the stoppage time, we haven’t seen any goals. Norrington-Davies leveled the result in the second minute of the stoppage time, and less than 120 seconds later, Weghorst shocked the fans securing Oranje a victory.

Prediction

We believe the hosts are in better shape and have more motive to win this one. On top of that, the home-court advantage and a bigger roster depth is another reason we back up Oranje’s triumph.

Pick: the Netherlands to win -205