Netherlands v Ireland predictions, betting odds and tips
![Netherlands v Ireland predictions, betting odds and tips](/img/li/netherlands-v-ireland-predictions-betting-odds-and-tips-1.jpg)
Where to watch Netherlands v Ireland
Viaplay Sports 1, 7.45pm Saturday
Best bet
Xavi Simons to be first goalscorer
1pt 9-2 bet365, Betfair, Paddy Power
Netherlands v Ireland odds
Netherlands 1-5
Ireland 18-1
Draw 6-1
Odds correct at time of publishing
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Netherlands v Ireland team news
Netherlands
Manchester City defender Nathan Ake and Ajax forwards Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn have withdrawn from the squad. Brighton's Bart Verbruggen is set to start in goal.
Ireland
Striker Evan Ferguson (back) is a slight doubt. Will Smallbone, Chiedozie Ogbene and Jamie McGrath will also be assessed.
Netherlands v Ireland predictions
The Netherlands, knocked out of the 2022 World Cup on penalties after a dramatic quarter-final draw with Argentina, are assured of their place at Euro 2024 before Saturday's home game against Ireland.
Bookmakers do not expect Ronald Koeman's men to let their standards slip and the Dutch are long odds-on to beat Ireland, whose only victories in Group B have come against Gibraltar.
Stephen Kenny's side have not been outclassed by their section rivals, losing 1-0 and 2-1 to France, 2-1 and 2-0 to Greece and 2-1 to the Netherlands in September, when Adam Idah's penalty gave them a fourth-minute lead.
However, since Euro 2020 the Dutch have lost only three of their 28 internationals in 90 minutes, two against World Cup runners-up France and one against European champions Italy.
Netherlands winger Xavi Simons is a tempting bet to break the deadlock. The 20-year-old scored 19 goals in 34 Eredivisie starts for PSV last season and has made a cracking start to 2023-24 with RB Leipzig, contributing six goals and eight assists in 15 Bundesliga and Champions League appearances.
Probable teams
Netherlands (3-4-3): Verbruggen; Geertruida, Van Dijk, Blind; Dumfries, Reijnders, Wieffer, Hartman; Simons, Weghorst, Gakpo
Ireland (4-3-3): Kelleher; Doherty, Duffy, Scales, Manning; Knight, Cullen, Molumby; Sykes, Ferguson, Johnston