Euro 2016 Qualifier preview and odds: Netherlands vs. Czech Republic

Published on: 12/10/2015

Euro 2016 Qualifier preview and odds: Netherlands vs. Czech Republic

October 13, 2015 19:45pm Amsterdam Arena

Euro 2016 Group A

A win against Kazakhstan in the last match kept Netherlands` play-off hopes alive, but with third-place rivals Turkey also winning, fate is no longer in the hands of Danny Blind`s men.

A win and a prayer for Netherlands

The good news for Netherlands is that opponents Czech Republic are already assured of a place at next summer`s European Championships in France. The Czechs lost at home to Turkey in the last game and may once again lack the competitive edge to threaten the home side who will going all out for the win.

Even if the Oranje do manage to overcome their visitors in Amsterdam on Tuesday, they will have to rely on Turkey losing at home to Iceland if they are to book a place in the play-off draw. If the teams finish level on points, Turkey would go through to the play-offs thanks to their head-to-head superiority.

Netherlands have not missed out on European Championship qualification since 1984. In their last home game against Iceland, they lost a 37-game unbeaten record in competitive matches that stretched back to 2000.

France already beckons for Czechs

Pavel Vrbas men may be motivated to complete the double over their opponents having beaten the Dutch 2-1 in the first Group A qualifying round back in September. They also have a chance of finishing top of the group as they trail leaders Iceland by just a single point. However, with the hard work already complete, they could be forgiven for taking their foot off the gas in this game.

Since gaining independence, the Czechs have maintained a superior record against the Dutch having won four, drawn three and lost three matches in all competitions.

Team news

The Dutch team has been plagued by injuries and several key players are still missing including Arjen Robben, Kevin Strootman, Stefan de Vrij and Jasper Cillessen. Meanwhile, Czech boss Pavel Vrba is expected to make further changes for this game with several key players being rested including goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Recent form (Euro Qualifying)

Netherlands: WLLWD

Czech Republic: LWWLD

Betting odds and tips

The Dutch cannot field their best XI for this game but they have everything to play for and will enjoy home advantage. They have lost just one of their last 38 competitive home matches although that defeat did come in their last game on bhome soil against Iceland. They can be backed to win at 4/9 with Bet365. Klass-Jan Huntelaar can be backed to score the first goal at 4/1, also with Bet365.

Published on: 12/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (12/10/2015 10:51:37) but are subject to change.