Red Devils to edge high scoring derby
Belgium and Netherlands kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Friday night. Though Poland beat Wales in their opener, the winners and sole qualifiers are still expected to come from the Low Countries. Read our preview here:
Casteels' day
Roberto Martínez has seen his side slip off the top of the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in several years, and are in a transition phase in terms of tooling up several key areas of the XI, not least in defence. With Champions League final star performer Thibaut Courtois ruled out with injury, Dedryck Boyata is set to be the youngest protector of Wolfsburg's Koen Casteels at the sprightly age of 31. Elsewhere, Eden Hazard is set to start despite a lack of match fitness, partnering the scintillating Kevin De Bruyne in behind Romelu Lukaku.
Carry a Teun
Louis van Gaal has overseen an upturn in fortunes since his return to the Oranje helm, and they haven't lost in those nine matches. He also has no major injury concerns ahead of the derby, with goalkeeper Mark Flekken likely to be handed another chance to cement himself between the sticks. Midfielder Teun Koopmeiners holds the quintet together, whilst the three-man defence might have to play a deeper line because of the threats in the opposition ranks.
Betting tip
With the emphasis for both sides firmly placed on attack, it ought to be another exciting match between the two. betway have odds of 3.10 for a Belgium home win and over 3.5 goals scored.
