Netherlands vs Belgium Predictions

• Netherlands must simply avoid defeat by a 3+ goal margin to qualify for the finals.
• Four of Belgium’s last five games saw both teams score.
• Belgium failed to win 14 of the 17 competitive Low Countries Derby encounters.

A potential classic Low Countries Derby

Old foes meet for the 18th time in competitive action as bordering nations Netherlands and Belgium clash in what is a winner-takes-all encounter to qualify for the UEFA Nations League finals. Well, that is if Belgium can muster up a win by at least three goals following their 4-1 defeat in the reverse!

Such a deficit can only stimulate Belgium’s attacking intent for this, with players still looking to impress ahead of the World Cup in a couple of months, a big win in the derby could be just the tonic for the Red Devils.

While Belgium will surely throw the kitchen sink at this, they’ve never defeated their neighbours by a 3+ goal margin since way back in 1961, suggesting this could be a bridge too far for the visitors.

The Dutch can exploit Belgium’s gaps

If the game plays out as expected, there will be holes for Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands to exploit as Belgium may well be chasing a big win throughout the 90′. The Dutch simply outclassed Poland last time out and they look primed for another good night in front of the fans in Amsterdam.

Given the circumstances and the enormity of the occasion between two great rivals, we’re going for a BTTS & over 2.5 goals prediction for our main bet, coupled with a smaller stakes play on a 3-2 home win.

Belgium’s ageing ‘golden generation’ have so often ran out of steam when it matters most, and the Netherlands can take advantage of that to win in very entertaining style.