The UEFA Nations League has brought a new exciting, competitive edge to international breaks and this week, Netherlands and France meet in Group A1.

STATS

• Following a summer without a place at the World Cup, Netherlands have been significantly more impressive since then. They have beaten Peru (2-1) and Germany (3-0), drawn against Belgium (1-1) whilst losing to only France (2-1). They find themselves second in the Nations League with three points after two games.
• France have been in strong form after their World Cup win on home soil. They are unbeaten in their four games with two wins and two draws. The wins were both 2-1 against Germany and Netherlands while the draws were against Iceland (2-2) and Germany again (0-0). With seven points in their first three Nations League games, they are top of the group and look to be cruising into the finals next summer.
• Netherlands have netted on four occasions in their two Nations League matches. They have each come from different scorers: Ryan Babel, Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay and Gini Wijnaldum.
• France have four goals in their three competitive fixtures since the World Cup. Antoine Griezmann has two, with Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe having one each.

HEAD TO HEAD

France’s recent record with Netherlands will provide them with plenty of confidence going into Friday’s match. They have won each of the last five meetings including the most recent which came in this competition. There have been over 2.5 goals in three of those meetings with both teams scoring in just two, highlighting the French dominance when the sides collide.

NETHERLANDS NEWS

Three points for the Dutch would secure their place in the group meaning they will avoid relegation. They are without Eljero Elia, Jeffrey Bruma, Daryl Janmaat and Justin Kluivert whilst Marcos Bizot and Javairo Dilrosun are looking to earn their first caps.

Latest matches: Netherlands

16.10.2018	Int.	Belgium	Netherlands	1:1	D
13.10.2018	UEFA	Netherlands	Germany	3:0	W
09.09.2018	UEFA	France	Netherlands	2:1	L
06.09.2018	Int.	Netherlands	Peru	2:1	W
04.06.2018	Int.	Italy	Netherlands	1:1	D

FRANCE NEWS

The big news for the world champions sees Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial miss out from selection through injury. Alexandre Lacazette was called up but has had to withdraw along with Benjamin Mendy.

Latest matches: France

16.10.2018	UEFA	France	Germany	2:1	W
11.10.2018	Int.	France	Iceland	2:2	D
09.09.2018	UEFA	France	Netherlands	2:1	W
06.09.2018	UEFA	Germany	France	0:0	D
15.07.2018	Worl	France	Croatia	4:2	W

SUMMARY

Despite Netherlands’ resurgence after a summer without a major tournament, this is still certainly France’s match to lose where they can wrap up top spot in the Nations League group. Both teams have plenty of attacking talent so I’d expect both to score and if you combine both tips, then the odds should be quite strong.