Belarus vs Netherlands Predictions

It look a late flurry to spare the Dutch their blushes on Thursday, as they beat Northern Ireland 3-1. They were drawing 1-1 with the Ulstermen, which could have made for a tricky run-in. However, the Nations League finalists are now into top spot in this group, with the chance to strengthen their top two push on Sunday.

Belarus are cut adrift from the top two race, as they sit second from bottom on four points. The hosts are rank outsiders for this clash, as they chase just a second win of the campaign. They’ve been poor against the bigger sides in the group so far, having lost home and away to Northern Ireland already.

The Dutch have already beaten Belarus 4-0 at home, while they pulled off a 4-0 victory at Estonia in their last trip. However, it was their wins over Northern Ireland and Germany that turned this group in their direction. The Dutch are now out in front thanks to those two impressive wins, while three points here would leave them three clear of Northern Ireland.

However, the Dutch might not have the easiest time in this trip. Belarus haven’t given much away in their home games so far. They are yet to win at home in the group, but they’ve conceded just three times in three games here. Germany claimed a 2-0 victory here in June, while NI won 1-0 three days later.

Belarus have yet to score a home goal in this group following Thursday’s 0-0 with Estonia. They are now four games without a goal at home, which is good news for the visitors. The Dutch have kept clean sheets against Belarus and Estonia so far, so we think they will be able to put in a strong defensive display in Sunday’s trip to Minsk.

Given the quality of the Dutch backline, it’s hardly a stretch to expect them to keep Belarus quiet. The hosts have had little impact up top, so we expect a straightforward night for Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt.

Given that Belarus have failed to score in five of their last seven, we are backing the Netherlands to win to nil this week. On top of that, we are also going for a 2-0 away win as our correct score prediction here. The Dutch have proven themselves up top, but after three games with under 2.5 goals scored here, we don’t expect a high scoring clash.