UEFA Nations League

[monks data]

Nations League | League A

Nov 15, 2020 at 5pm UK

Johan Cruijff Arena

Netherlands
3 - 1
Bosnia H'vina

Wijnaldum (6', 14'), Depay (55')
Klaassen (68')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Prevljak (63')
Todorovic (39'), Sanicanin (88')

Preview: Netherlands vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina - prediction, team news, lineups

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: November 13 2020 | 11:45

Last updated: June 5 2024 | 13:46

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Nations League clash between Netherlands and Bosnia-Herzegovina, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Netherlands head into their fixture with Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday evening looking for the victory which would boost their hopes of reaching the UEFA Nations League Finals.

Meanwhile, Bosnia-Herzegovina head into the match in Amsterdam needing at least a draw to retain hope of avoiding relegation to League B.

Match preview

Atlanta United head coach Frank de Boer pictured in October 2019 © Reuters

Having been brought in as a replacement for Ronald Koeman, recently-appointed Netherlands boss Frank de Boer would have been desperate to get a first win on the board against either Mexico or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

However, despite witnessing his side deliver two flat performances in those fixtures, De Boer will have few complaints from the recent draws against Italy and Spain.

While it leaves him without success in four outings, progress is being made at a time when the former defender is aware that he will come under scrutiny if the winless run is prolonged into next year.

Recording a 1-1 draw with Spain on Thursday will go down as a positive, particularly when the Netherlands were without Virgil van Dijk and lost Nathan Ake in the sixth minute.

Donny van de Beek, who has largely been out in the cold at Manchester United this season, also netted for the second international fixture in succession, a reminder that he is fully established as a key man on this stage.

Sitting two points adrift of leaders Poland, Netherlands will remain in contention for the Finals if they can record a much-needed triumph at the weekend.

Nevertheless, De Boer and his side are aware that defeat will see them drop to the bottom of League A Group 1, leaving them at risk of a surprise relegation to the second tier.

Like their hosts, Bosnia-Herzegovina head into this contest having put together a poor run of results, the latest coming on Thursday as they lost out to Iran.

Dusan Bajevic has failed to win any of his opening six matches, while the nation only have an away victory in Liechtenstein to show from their last nine outings.

One result will change the trajectory of this side, success which is much-needed after their Euro 2020 playoff defeat at the hands of Northern Ireland.

However, having gone almost four matches without finding the back of the net, Bajevic's side face an uphill battle at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Netherlands Nations League form: WLDD
Netherlands form (all competitions): WLLDDD

Bosnia-Herzegovina Nations League form: DLDL
Bosnia-Herzegovina form (all competitions): DLDDLL

Team News

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake pictured in October 2020 © Reuters

Netherlands will be without Ake for this fixture after the Manchester City defender picked up a hamstring injury in midweek.

Tim Krul could replace Marco Bizot between the sticks, while Donyell Malen is pushing for a start in the final third.

Bosnia are unable to call upon star man Edin Dzeko, who recorded a positive coronavirus test last week.

Armin Hodzic is expected to deputise for the forward, but Anel Ahmedhodzic serves a one-match ban for his dismissal against Poland.

Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Krul; Hateboer, Veltman, De Vrij, Blind; F.De Jong, Wijnaldum, Van De Beek; Promes, L.De Jong, Depay

Bosnia-Herzegovina possible starting lineup:
Sehic; Cipetic, Hadzikadunic, Sanicanin, Kolasinac; Pjanic, Cimirot; Visca, Gojak, Krunic; Hodzic

SM words green background

We say: Netherlands 2-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina

With the pressure already on De Boer, the Netherlands boss knows that this is an important game. While we expect a nervy affair, the home side may require an occasion such as this one to rediscover their confidence in the final third.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.