The Netherlands host Greece in this Euro 2024 Group B qualifier on Thursday evening as the Dutch look to show improvement from their Nations League finals performance. We analyse where the betting value could lie in this match.
Team news
Ronald Koeman has called up three players to the Netherlands squad for the first time. Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven, Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen and Feyenoord’s Quilindschy Hartman have been trusted by Koeman to have an impact in the September international break. Greece boss Gus Poyet will be without defender Kostantinos Mavropanos, who is suspended following his red card against France last time out.
Over 3.5 goals at 2/1
After two disappointing defeats in the Nations League finals to Croatia and Italy, Koeman will look for a response from the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 qualifiers, especially when they have games in hand on their rivals. One thing that came out from their defeats in the Nations League finals was the fact that they were high-scoring games. They lost 4-2 to Croatia and 3-2 to Italy.
This would suggest that we could see an abundance of goals in this qualifier on Thursday, especially when you consider the attacking options De Oranje boast. Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen and Xavi Simons have the abilities to torment defenders. Greece will also feel that they can ask questions of the Netherlands’ defence, which could spark another goal-fest with goals at both ends.
Cody Gakpo to score anytime at 8/5
As mentioned above, Gakpo is a very talented attacker that is capable of troubling most defenders he lines up against, whether that be as a striker or as a winger. The Liverpool has been unable to open his account in the Premier League so far this term, but if he can get on the scoresheet against Greece, it will drastically improve his confidence.
Gakpo scored three goals at the World Cup in Qatar last winter and was undoubtedly one of the Netherlands’ key players as they made it to the quarter-finals. We’re expecting him to have another strong performance against Greece and believe he will open his account for the season.