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Luxembourg and Netherlands will square off in Group A of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Luxembourg’s last result was a 1-1 draw in Belarus, but that was the only bright spot in a period of complete misery for the hosts. Luxembourg was on a 7 match losing streak in which the team conceded no less than 18 goals, losing by 2 or more goals against teams like Latvia, Albania or Nigeria. Granted, recent performances have shown an improvement, with Luxembourg barely losing 3-4 in Bulgaria and 0-1 against Sweden, alongside that draw in Belarus. The hosts will look to build on these recent results, but facing Netherlands isn`t exactly encouraging.
Netherlands continues to struggle trying to make something out of the current generation of players, but there are decent signs as they recorded some decent results under new manager Danny Blind. Even if the team has only 1 win in the last 5 matches, those games were all very difficult and Netherlands will tie Sweden for the second place in Group A with a win today. Netherlands played a pretty good match a few days ago in a friendly against Belgium, so if they put on a similar performance in Luxembourg, they should be fine.
Bet on Luxembourg vs Netherlands and get your 150% welcome bonus at 18Bet now!Team news: Schaars, Janssen and Lens were injured in the recent friendly between Netherlands and Belgium, so that will be a blow for the visitors. On the bright side, Arjen Robben returns in the team and is set to partner Wesley Sneijnder and Bas Dost (who will replace Janssen) in a 3 men front line.
Netherlands won the last 8 meetings against Luxembourg with a 31-0 total goal difference.
One thing that will work in favor of the Netherlands here is the fact that Luxembourg is defending really poor lately. The hosts are conceding too many goals and don’t seem to be that kind of small team which can park the bus and frustrate opponents.
For all of their struggles, Netherlands still has some good options up front and can bang in the goals, as they did the last time they met an accessible team – beating Belarus 4-1 at home. The poor defense of Luxembourg and the solid front line of Netherlands might represent a very good matchup for the visitors.
After being humbled so many times recently, I believe Netherlands will take Luxembourg very seriously and will put in their best effort in this match. The visitors badly need the three points and I expect Netherlands to win this by at least 2 goals. My tip is Holland to cover the 2 goal asian handicap. Odds are dropping. Prediction: Luxembourg – Netherlands 0-3.
Pick: Netherlands (-2 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.81 @ 18Bet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 5.67
Event date: 13 November
