Netherlands vs Ireland tips and predictions: Wounded Irish to bow out with a whimper

The Netherlands need one more victory to book their spot at Euro 2024 and they should get it against Ireland.

Netherlands vs Ireland team news

The hosts will be without Nathan Ake, Lutsharel Geertruida, Jeremie Frimpong, Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn.

On the other hand, Ireland could be without Evan Ferguson, Will Smallbone, Chiedozie Ogbene, Jamie McGrath and Festy Ebosele.

Suggested bets

Netherlands -1.75 Asian handicap

Netherlands win and over 2.5 goals

Netherlands win to nil

Key stats

- Netherlands have scored 11 goals with 10 different scorers in their last five at home.
- Netherlands have scored three or more goals in seven of nine home wins.
- Ireland have lost five of seven in qualifying.
- Their only wins have come against Gibraltar.

Netherlands vs Ireland verdict

This has been a disastrous qualifying campaign for the Republic of Ireland. Being better than Gibraltar is nothing to shout about.

The fighting spirit of teams past just hasn’t been there and while you can talk about injuries to key players, a reset is needed.

This current crop of Dutch players is hardly 2010 vintage but they are on course to qualify for back-to-back tournaments.

Ronald Koeman’s side have struggled against France but they’ve shown more than enough for us to think they’ll record a comfortable victory against Stephen Kenny’s side.

Without Evan Ferguson, Ireland don’t have an attack capable of scoring goals against teams of this level.

On the other hand, they’re adept at sitting deep and frustrating teams, but there’s too much on the line for the Netherlands and an early goal could draw the visitors out.