Netherlands v Ecuador predictions: Dutch can grind out another key win

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Netherlands v Ecuador in Group A of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Where to watch

ITV1, 4pm Friday

Best bet

Netherlands to win & under 3.5 goals
1pt 11-8 BoyleSports

The Dutch were underwhelming in their opener against Senegal, but with a win under their belts they can make their superior attacking options count with a gritty, low-scoring win over Ecuador.

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Match preview

Given the shock defeats suffered by Argentina and Germany in the first week of the World Cup, the Netherlands will be pleased to have opened their Group A campaign with victory over Senegal, albeit in unconvincing fashion.

The Dutch beat the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions 2-0 at the Al Thumama Stadium, but it was a laboured performance from the Dutch against a team missing their star man in Sadio Mane.

The game was evenly poised before Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 84th minute and Louis van Gaal's Oranje had looked uninspiring in the final third up until then.

The Dutch had been touted as dark horses for World Cup glory heading into the tournament given a potentially favourable path to the latter stages and their fine showing in this summer's Nations League.

But their transitions against Senegal were slow and front two Steven Bergwijn and Vincent Janssen were poor.

The situation was looking so bleak that Van Gaal had to throw half-fit talisman Memphis Depay onto the pitch with half an hour remaining.

Van Gaal's gamble paid off as the Dutch picked up a key win and Depay looks ready to lead the line in Friday's second Group A encounter against Ecuador.

Ecuador became the first nation to beat a World Cup hosts in their opening match as they pulled the curtain up on the tournament with a 2-0 win over Qatar. Although much of the post-match debrief focused on how poor the Qataris had been.

But you can only beat what is in front of you and it is fair to say the South Americans took their foot off the pedal after the break.

Friday's second group clash should be far more competitive and, although the quality of Depay and Gakpo should give the Dutch the edge in forward areas, punters can anticipate another tight tussle.

Gustavo Alfaro's Ecuador are generally well-drilled - they held both Brazil and Argentina to draws in World Cup qualifying - and their 2-0 defeat of Qatar was their seventh straight clean sheet.

The Netherlands' win over Senegal left their backers with more questions than answers as to their tournament prospects, but with a victory under their belts and Depay likely to start, they can grind out another key win in Group A.

Key stat

Ecuador's last seven matches have produced only four goals.

Team news

Netherlands
Memphis Depay is in line to start for the Dutch having come off the bench in their opener against Senegal. Jurrien Timber could come in for Matthijs de Ligt.

Ecuador
Enner Valencia came off with a knock after scoring a brace in Ecuador's opening win over Qatar but Gustavo Alfaro is confident La Tri's skipper will be back in the starting lineup on Friday.

Probable teams

Netherlands (3-4-1-2) Noppert; Timber, van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, Berghuis, de Jong, Blind; Gakpo; Memphis, Bergwijn.

Ecuador (4-4-2) Galindez; Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan; Plata, Mendez, Caicedo, Ibarra; Valencia, Estrada.

Inside info

Netherlands

Top scorer in probable team Memphis Depay

Star player Virgil van Dijk

Penalty taker Memphis Depay

Assist ace Memphis Depay

Set-piece aerial threat Virgil van Dijk

Card magnet Denzel Dumfries

Ecuador

Top scorer in probable team Enner Valencia

Star player Enner Valencia

Penalty taker Enner Valencia

Assist ace Moises Caicedo

Set-piece aerial threat Enner Valencia

Card magnet Moises Caicedo

Netherlands v Ecuador Bet Builder

Netherlands With an opening win under their belt, the Dutch have enough attacking quality in Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo to grind out victory.

Cody Gakpo over 0.5 shots on target Gakpo broke the deadlock against Senegal and the Eredivisie's top scorer this season can register a shot on target.

Memphis Depay over 1.5 shots on target Depay remains the standout attacking player in this Netherlands team and should steer a couple of efforts on target.

Over three cards in the match Ecuador were barely tested by Qatar in their opener but still picked up two yellow cards and the card count could rise when they take on the Dutch.

Price guide 9-1 with bet365