Match Details:
Date: 20 November 2022
Time: 9:30 PM IST
Venue: Al Thumama Stadium
Live Commentary: SportsTiger App
Preview:
The Netherlands is set to face Senegal in a monumental Group A clash in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Both these teams were favourites to finish on top of the group but with Sadio Mane’s injury, the chances of the Senegalese team seem bleak. Whereas for the Dutch, this game will be the perfect opportunity to kick off their tournament in a dominant fashion.
Team news:
Senegal:
The Lions of Teranga have been hit with a massive injury blow ahead of the World Cup as their star player Sadio Mane was ruled out of the tournament. Mane suffered an injury during the last Bayern Munich game which will keep him out for the World Cup in Qatar.
Netherlands:
Entering the World Cup, Matthijs de Ligt and Memphis Depay have been struggling with injuries recently but will be ready for the first match at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Analysis:
Under Louis Van Gaal, the Netherlands has been a top team entering this World Cup. The former Manchester United manager often opts for a 3-4-1-2 which brings defensive stability in their side, allowing creative freedom for their attack. The back three is led by Liverpool star Virgil Van Dyk, who is surprisingly playing his first World Cup. Then the midfield of Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners paired with their full-backs are the enablers of their attack. The front three led by Memphis Depay is expected to terrorize opposition defences with pace and precision.
Aliou Cisse’s men will be missing one of their most important players in Sadio Mane for the World Cup. Mane was the attacking leader for the Lions of Teranga and now other players like Ismaila Sarr and Boulave Dia would have to step up. Their midfield led by Idrissa Gueye would also need to pick attacking responsibilities to fill the void created by Mane’s absence. Whereas on the defensive end, they have a solid unit which could create a lot of problems for attackers throughout the tournament.
Head-to-head:
Key Players:
Probable Starting XIs:
Netherlands:
Remko Pasveer (GK), Justin Timber; Virgil Van Dijk (c), Nathan Ake, Denzel Dumfries, Steven Berghuis, Frenkie De Jong, Daley Blind, Cody Gakpo, Steven Bergwijn, Memphis Depay.
Senegal:
Eduardo Mendy (GK), Youssouf Sabaly, Kalidou Koulibaly (c), Abdou Diallo, Fode Ballo-Toure; Idrissa Gueye, Formose Mendy, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Matar Sarr, Boulave Dia, Nicolas Jackson.
Grand League team:
Head-to-head team:
Best 14:
Goalkeepers: Eduardo Mendy, Remko Pasveer
Defenders: Virgil Van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Kalidou Koulibaly, Youssouf Sabaly
Midfielders: Frenkie De Jong, Steven Bergwijn, Idrissa Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr
Strikers: Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay, Ismaila Sarr, Boulave Dia
Disclaimer: The fantasy tips and facts expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. They do not reflect the views of SportsTiger. It is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.