World Cup Qualifying: Netherlands v France Betting Tips

This is one of the best looking fixtures over the international break as two big nations, who have both made relatively good starts to the qualification campaign with a win and a draw each, go head-to-head.

After failing to qualify for Euro 2016, the pressure is now really on Danny Blind to qualify for the World Cup in just under two years time. It is great testament to the Dutch FA that they did not panic and fire Blind following his team’s failure to qualify and trust him to bring the best out of a group of young players.

The Dutch have started well, firstly gaining a draw away at likely pack chasers Sweden before thrashing Belarus 4-1 in Rotterdam.

That result was mostly down to Quincy Promes who, as readers of my Russian Premier League tips will know, has been on fire for Spartak Moscow this season and is up there among the top goalscorers in the league. The 24-year-old managed two first half goals against Belarus and will once again play a key part against neighbours France on Monday. Going up against a slightly questionable French defence, I would certainly look at backing the in-form Spartak man to find the net at 11/4.

France should have won the Euros on their home territory but lost to a dogged Portugal side. After a poor recent couple of tournaments, the last World Cup and European Championships showed that the French finally have a team that is capable of competing without drama off the field.

A lot of their future success will rely on the relatively young, yet world class, duo of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann. Whilst Pogba has struggled to find form since his return to Manchester United, Griezmann has had a fantastic start to the La Liga season with Atletico Madrid – scoring six goals in six appearances.

Despite the great talent the French have on paper, there are still questions surrounding this team – even after a relatively successful Euro 2016. Their 0-0 draw away at Belarus is proof of this and it is hard to predict how they will play against the Netherlands. Will they put in the drab performance that saw them draw 0-0 against Belarus or be really at it and put on the kind of display which helped them beat Bulgaria 4-1 on Friday.

I feel, in terms of a winner, this match could easily look a tough one to predict as it really depends on which French team turns up. However, there seems to be real a positive vibe about this Dutch side right now and, having gathered strong momentum the other night, they are fancied to come out on top on home soil. 5/2 about the hosts claiming victory in front of their own fans is well worth a punt. The visitors struggled on Friday night and, when they don’t get their own way, they’re known to struggle.

If you’re not necessarily a fan of backing either side here, then another bet worth going for is ‘Both Teams to Score’. Both of these sides have good forward lines – forward lines which I am not sure the respective defences will be able to cope with. All the signs point towards an entertaining game on Monday night – albeit one that the hosts can claim the win in. 

See more tips here.