Netherlands vs Algeria Predictions - Goals expected in World Cup warm-up

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 14 minutes ago

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John Eastwood 14 minutes ago

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Both Netherlands & Algeria in strong form ahead of the World Cup
Both teams have shown attacking qualities and are expected to score
Prediction: Both teams to score (BTTS – Yes)

Netherlands' defender Virgil van Dijk celebrates at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam (Getty Images)

Netherlands vs Algeria Predictions

This is the final warm-up game for both sides ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Confidence is key but neither coach will be too concerned about the result. I expect goals in this one with both sides showcasing serious attacking ability.

Netherlands vs Algeria Predictions
Head to Head
Netherlands Form
Algeria Form
Netherlands vs Algeria Predicted Lineups & News

Head to Head

Netherlands and Algeria have never met in a competitive fixture before.

Netherlands Form

The Netherlands have been in good form lately and made smooth progress to the World Cup. They are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions, picking up eight wins on this run, and the task will be to maintain that momentum ahead of the Mundial.

Holland’s last two matches have been friendlies, earning a win and a draw in both fixtures. First, they earned a 2-1 victory over Norway before battling to a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in their previous fixture.

One of the hallmarks of this Netherlands team is their attacking quality which has seen them score in their last 10 matches. However, Ronald Koeman’s men have also conceded in three of their last four matches.

Algeria Form

Like the Netherlands, Algeria had no issues during the World Cup qualifiers and have generally been in good form. They reached the quarter-finals of the AFCON in Morocco, before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria.

That result has been the only blemish for Algeria lately, having gone unbeaten in six of their last seven matches in all competitions. Vladimir Petkovic’s team played two friendlies in March, claiming a 7-0 victory over Guatemala before battling to a 0-0 draw with Uruguay.

Algeria often prefer to play on the front foot, and the win over Guatemala highlights their attacking quality. The Desert Foxes have scored in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Netherlands vs Algeria Predicted Lineups & News

Netherlands (4-2-3-1): Bart Verbruggen; Jurrien Timber, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, Nathan Ake; Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders; Donyell Malen, Teun Koopmeiners, Cody Gakpo; Memphis Depay.

Denzel Dumfries picked up a red card in the friendly with Ecuador and is suspended for this one. The trio of Stefan de Vrij, Jeremie Frimpong, and Xavi Simons were not included in the World Cup squad.

Algeria (4-4-2): Luca Zidane; Rafik Belghali, Aissa Mandy, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Ait-Nouri; Riyad Mahrez, Nabil Bentaleb, Houssem Aouar, Fares Chaibi; Mohamed Amoura, Amine Gouiri.

Algeria have a fully fit squad heading their pre-tournament friendlies. Stalwarts Ismael Bennacer and Baghdad Bounedjah were part of the roster for the AFCON in Morocco but have not been included in the World Cup roster.

Verdict

Netherlands v Algeria

With the World Cup only days away, the Netherlands and Algeria will be keen to maintain their momentum heading into the tournament. Given their preference for an open style of play, both teams are expected to score here.