Northern Ireland v Netherlands: Forward thinking with Wijnaldum

Andy Schooler previews Saturday's Euro 2020 qualifier between Northern Ireland and Netherlands in which Gini Wijnaldum looks overpriced to find the target.

Northern Ireland v Netherlands
Saturday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports Football & Main Event

Following last month's agonising defeat to the Netherlands in Rotterdam, Northern Ireland are in a hole in their Euro 2020 qualifying group.

They've arguably performed above expectation, having won four of their six games to sit on 12 points. The problem is both the Dutch and Germany have 15 and they are the two teams the Irish are still to face.

Even if both games are won, it might not be enough to qualify for next summer's finals. In short, it's probably time for fans to start crossing their fingers that results elsewhere go their way and they claim a play-off place.

First up this week is a home game against the Dutch, who won last month's encounter 3-1. That far from tells the whole story though. The Irish led 1-0 after 79 minutes only for their hosts to equalise and then score twice in added time to claim a crucial win.

In theory, the men in green should be able to take much away from that game - despite conceding 77% of possession, they were able to thwart their opponents for long periods and were very close to hanging on for a point.

Manager concerns

The problem for their potential backers is the lead up to this game has been dominated by the news that manager Michael O'Neill is to leave his post after the Euro 2020 campaign is over.

Of course, that may not be until June, but he's already started his new job with Championship strugglers Stoke and you have to wonder what effect it will have had on the camp.

I believe those who say none are wrong, although clearly it is impossible to quantify what the impact has been.

At least O'Neill appears to have a fully-fit squad to choose from, defenders Craig Cathcart and Michael Smith having overcome knocks since the squad was announced.

The same cannot be said of his opposite number Ronald Koeman.

Depay an injury worry

He's without Brighton midfielder Davy Propper, plus Steven Bergwijn and Donyell Malen, while key man Memphis Depay is also a doubt with a hamstring injury.

The Dutch will qualify with a draw, although Koeman has stressed the need for victory - if the Oranje finish second in their group they risk dropping into the third pot of seeds for the finals draw on November 30.

With the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and in-form Ajax men Donny van de Beek and Quincy Promes still available, the Dutch should be able to claim that victory, although don't expect things to be easy.

Northern Ireland simply don't roll over for anyone - their last competitive loss by more than two goals was in 2011 - and even Germany found it tough going at Windsor Park earlier in the season. They won 2-0 but one of their goals came late on.

Dutch odds-on

In the match betting, the Netherlands look short enough at 1.46, while the win the hosts require is at 8.60. It will tempt some but not me. The draw is offered at 5.00.