Dutch courage not enough for vital home win
Netherlands and Turkey meet in the return fixture of their three-way battle for supremacy of their UEFA pool in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers along with Norway. In March, Ay-Yıldızlılar put the visitors to the sword with a 4-2 victory that had many fans and neutral observers bullish about their chances at the then upcoming Euro 2020 tournament. Instead, they were truly abysmal, crashing out bottom of their group, and whilst Netherlands did reach the last 16, they were deservedly dispatched by the Czech Republic. Now, with Louis van Gaal back in charge for a second spell and captain Virgil Van Dijk fit, the onus will be on them to take charge of the mini-league. Read our preview here:
The Blind leading the blind
Van Dijk was a massive miss for Oranje in the summer, and for all the obvious skill and quality going forward, his absence ruthlessly exposed the lack of discipline and defensive nous without his on-pitch presence. With Nathan Aké withdrawing from the squad for Tuesday night's important clash for personal reasons, it means the Liverpool star will be probably be partnered by Stefan de Vrij, who is in much better club form than national teammate Matthijs de Ligt, and the latter's aggression will be especially crucial in shutting down evergreen sole striker Burak Yılmaz. Elsewhere, Daley Blind will be doing his utmost on the left side of the four man backline to play raking balls forward to ease the potential pressure on his flank whilst simultaneously setting up chances for the rotating trio in attack.
Ünder no illusions
The former Manchester United utility man will need to be at his best against the revitalised figure of Cengiz Ünder. The 24 year old looks a completely different player on loan at Marseille in Ligue 1 this season to the one who struggled massively to make any kind of meaningful impact at Leicester City last term, and has already racked up three goals in as many appearances for Les Phocéens. In Amsterdam however, he'll be expected to help out a bit more defensively than perhaps he's comfortable with, whilst also being ready to carry the ball forwards on the counter. With the return of Hakan Çalhanoğlu in the middle, there is enough creatively in the visitors' ranks to trouble their hosts from open play, but the backline will need to show far better concentration than they did at home to Montenegro last week, letting slip a 2-0 lead in the sixth minute of time added on.
Dumfries and gallows way
With the expected thwacking Norway will dish out to Gibraltar, a decisive result is required to prevent Erling Braut Haaland and co. from muscling in between the two group favourites at the summit with four games remaining. Had Turkey not slumped to a home draw against Montenegro, that possible outcome wouldn't have been on the cards. van Gaal's return and increased emphasis on defensive tightness should serve Netherlands well, but how transformative it can be to their fortunes will be on trial at the Johan Cruijff Arena. Over 3.5 goals can be backed at 2.40 with betway in an encounter that is otherwise difficult to call.
