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The Netherlands face Greece on Thursday night in European Championship qualifying. After a rocky start to their qualifying campaign, the home side currently sit three points behind Greece in second place in Group B and nine behind France in first place so a win here is vital. For the away side, a result of any kind would keep them on track for qualification. The match is set to take place at the Phillips Arena in Eindhoven and will kick off at 19:45 UK time.
Netherlands vs Greece predicted lineups and news
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Despite only being two games into the qualification campaign, this feels like a huge game for Ronald Koeman in his second stint as Netherlands boss. Three points from two games isn’t a terrible start but disappointment in the Nations League has left many scratching their heads at the appointment. If Greece can pull off a shock result here, then the pressure is only going to pile on the ex-Barcelona man.
Netherlands team news
Considering the importance of this week for the Netherlands, who face Ireland in Dublin on Sunday, Ronald Koeman will be disappointed about the number of injuries that he is having to contend with. Across his squad, there are several notable absentees which will make the task of beating Greece that much more difficult.
In the forward positions, Koeman is without Memphis Depay, Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn while the early season form of Cody Gakpo will be a concern. In defence, Tyrell Malacia, Jurrien Timber and Sven Botman are all out injured but thankfully for Koeman, van Dijk and Ake are okay.
In midfield, the Dutch are close to full strength meaning Frenkie de Jong will likely start the game alongside Mats Wieffer.
🦁 𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗝𝗘 – September 2023@EURO2024 Qualifiers!
‣ 7/9 #NEDGRE 🇳🇱🇬🇷
‣ 10/9 #IRLNED 🇮🇪🇳🇱#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/3jEOwgIgxa— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 1, 2023
Netherlands predicted lineup
Noppert, Dumfries, Geertruida, Van Dijk, Ake, Wieffer, De Jong, Simons, Gakpo, Lang, Weghorst
Greece team news
Gus Poyet has done a solid enough job as Greece manager since taking over last year. The Uruguayan has guided his team to two wins out of three in Euro 2024 qualifying which puts them in a strong position coming into this one.
Like his opposite number, Poyet is also set to be without a couple of big names for the clash in Eindhoven. Most notable perhaps is West Ham’s Konstantinos Mavropanos, who is unavailable for selection following his red card in the 1-0 loss to France last time out. His absence could mean a 50th cap for Giorgos Tzavellas who is in prime position to replace Mavropanos.
The foul that led to France’s penalty from Greece’s Mavropanos 😬#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/6Vp5axXmqB
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) June 19, 2023
Although Greece will set up to avoid defeat, they will be banking on captain Tasos Bakasetas to offer them a threat going forward. He has scored seven goals and provided three assists in his last 12 international appearances and will be the man the Netherlands will look to keep quiet. If Bakasetas can lead Poyet’s men to victory, then it will be Greece’s first-ever competitive victory over the Netherlands with Oranje dominating in the head-to-head stakes.
Greece predicted lineup
Vlachodimos, Baldock, Tzavellas, Chatzidiakos, Tsimikas, Siopis, Kourbelis, Masouras, Bakasetas, Mantalos, Giakoumakis
Will Memphis Depay play?
Memphis Depay has enjoyed a great start to the season with Atletico Madrid but was unfortunately forced off against Rayo Vallecano two weeks ago with a thigh injury. He subsequently missed Atletico’s clash with Sevilla and he hasn’t been selected by Koeman for the games against Greece and Ireland.
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