EURO 2020 – UEFA European Qualifiers – Northern Ireland vs Netherlands Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Northern Ireland vs Netherlands kick off? Saturday 16th November, 2019 – 19:45 (UK)
Where is Northern Ireland vs Netherlands being played? Windsor Park
What television channel is Northern Ireland vs Netherlands on? Sky have the rights to UEFA European Qualifiers matches in the UK, so it is worth checking the Sky Sports schedule
Where can I stream Northern Ireland vs Netherlands? If the match is televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go
What was the score when the teams last met? Netherlands 3-1 Northern Ireland
THE TEAM NEWS
NORTHERN IRELAND
- Northern Ireland must at least match Germany's result to maintain any chance of qualifying ahead of the sides' showdown on Tuesday.
- Manager Michael O'Neill took over as Stoke City boss last week but will remain in charge of the national team until the end of this campaign, so this is set to be his last home game.
- Jamal Lewis returns to the squad having missed last month's matches through injury and O'Neill has no notable absentees, so he will field his strongest line-up.
Predicted line-up (4-1-4-1): Peacock-Farrell; McLaughlin, Cathcart, J. Evans, Dallas; C. Evans; McGinn, McNair, Davis, Saville; Lafferty
Unavailable: Smyth (Injured), Jones (Injured)
Doubtful:
NETHERLANDS
- A draw will be enough for the Netherlands to book their place at the finals but they will be determined to win and hold on to top spot in Group C.
- There will be changes in attack as PSV duo Steven Bergwijn and Donyell Malen are out injured, with AZ youngsters Calvin Stengs and Myron Boadu called up for the first time instead.
- Striker Wout Weghorst has been rewarded for his club form with a recall to the squad after more than a year out, while Memphis Depay and Matthijs de Ligt are included despite injury concerns.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Cillessen; Veltman, Van Dijk, De Ligt, Blind; Van de Beek, Wijnaldum, F. De Jong; Babel, L. De Jong, Promes
Unavailable: Bergwijn (Injured), Malen (Injured), Pröpper (Injured), Vermeer (Injured)
Doubtful: Depay (Injured), De Ligt (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Northern Ireland go into this big game in good form having won six of their last eight internationals, and they will want to give manager O'Neill a good send-off. Both teams need the points and although the Netherlands are clear favourites, the hosts will make them work for it.
