Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what is a blockbuster battle at the top of the Group G standings, Poland will welcome the Netherlands to Warsaw on Friday night.

Poland

Starting with the hosts, although Poland might have come under real scrutiny last summer as they endured a public EURO 24 nightmare, the Eagles have turned a real corner this calendar year. Last seen securing a routine 2-0 victory away at Lithuania, Jan Urban’s side know that they can officially wrap up their World Cup ticket here. Despite falling to a disappointing 2-1 loss against Finland on June 10th, that is the only defeat that Poland have suffered from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Putting 13 points on the board from their six Group G showdowns this year, Friday’s hosts have also gained a recent reputation for their dominance on home soil. In fact, Urban’s camp have won all of their five matchups in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 9-1.

Poland Team News

Bagging a La Liga hat-trick during Barcelona’s 4-2 victory away at Celta Vigo last weekend, skipper and record-breaking talisman Robert Lewandowski will lead the line on Friday night and earn a 162nd International cap. However, Porto defender Jan Bednarek was shockingly omitted from Urban’s squad.

Becoming a key part of Poland’s set-up, Aston Villa star Matty Cash will start at right-back. Despite notching just a single Serie A strike since opening up the new campaign, Inter Milan playmaker Piotr Zielinski could play a leading role in the middle of the park.

Netherlands

As for the visitors, although the Netherlands might have suffered Nations League heartbreak back in March, Ronald Koeman’s men have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Leading the chase at the top of the Group G standings and holding a three-point buffer over the chasing pack, the former Barcelona boss has seen his squad gain plenty of plaudits from across the globe. Last seen storming their way to a routine 4-0 victory at home against Finland, the European giants have won their previous three consecutive qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 11-2. Likewise, putting 16 points on the board from their first six Group G showdowns, Holland have also gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. In fact, Koeman’s high-flying squad have notched 22qualifying goals this year.

Netherlands Team News

Enjoying what has been a stellar recent run with English giants Manchester United, Matthijs de Ligt has been recalled by Koeman. The Liverpool duo of Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo are both expected to feature from the start on Friday night.

Now playing his domestic Football in South America with Brazilian heavyweights Corinthians, Memphis Depay will lead Holland out this weekend and earn a 107th international cap. Bagging back-to-back strikes for Aston Villa over the past fortnight, Donyell Malen should partner Depay in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Poland and the Netherlands met for their reverse Group G showdown on September 4th, Friday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate in Rotterdam.
• Holland have registered 16 points from their six qualifying appearances this year.
• Poland have won all of their five matchups in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 9-1.
• The Netherlands have bagged an astonishing 22 goals in their six qualifying appearances.
• Four of the five meetings between Poland and the Netherlands have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Two camps who are scrapping it out at the top of the Group G standings, we look set for a crucial showdown on Friday night. While the Netherlands might have registered 16 points from their six World Cup qualifying appearances, they travel to a Polish squad who have certainly gained a reputation for their extended dominance on home soil. With the Eagles winning all of their five matchups in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 9-1, we could be set for an enjoyable battle this weekend.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet