Netherlands
The Dutch will be strong favourites as they look to continue their early domination of the group by extending their 100% record. New trainer Bert van Marwijk has only won one friendly in four attempts, the last being a draw in Tunisia, so tonight’s game will be his biggest test so far.
Oranje are without Atletico Madrid defender John Heitinga, but Andre Ooijer has recovered from groin strain and is expected to play. Ryan Babel and Robin van Persie could start on the bench, depending on what the trainer decides is best.
Possible starting XI: Stekelenburg; Marcellis, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst; De Jong, Van Bommel; Kuyt, Van der Vaart, Robben; Huntelaar.
Scotland
Scotland were desperately unlucky not to qualify for Euro 2008 and are capable of raising their game against the big names. They will certainly need to on Saturday as the race for 2nd place in the group will remain wide open for some time.
The Scots were already without James McFadden, Shaun Maloney and Barry Robson. Now, Stephen McManus, Paul Hartley, David Weir, Kirk Broadfoot and Kris Commons have joined them, while Alan Hutton won’t be risked after a long lay-off.
Rangers’ Allan McGregor will start in goal instead of regular goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who’s struggling at Sunderland. Christophe Berra is likely to make his first start at centre-back, with full-back Steven Whittaker, also tipped to feature.
The midfield remains relatively strong. Skipper Barry Ferguson is likely to be joined by Scott Brown and Darren Fletcher as the Scots try to win their battles in the key area. Cardiff City’s Ross McCormack is a gamble which many are tipping Burley to take.
Possible Starting XI: McGregor; Whittaker, Caldwell, Berra, Naysmith; McCormack, Ferguson, Brown, Fletcher, Morrison; Miller.
Form Guide
Netherlands
Feb 11 Tunisia 1 – 1 Netherlands Friendly
Nov 19 Netherlands 3 – 1 Sweden Friendly
Oct 15 Norway 0 – 1 Netherlands WCQ
Oct 11 Netherlands 2 – 0 Iceland WCQ
Sep 10 Macedonia FYR 1 – 2 Netherlands WCQ
Scotland
Nov 19 Scotland 0 – 1 Argentina Friendly
Oct 11 Scotland 0 – 0 Norway WCQ
Sep 10 Iceland 1 – 2 Scotland WCQ
Sep 06 Macedonia FYR 1 – 0 Scotland WCQ
Aug 20 Scotland 0 – 0 Northern Ireland Friendly
Prediction
The Dutch obviously have a better players. In the last 8 matches between Netherlands and Scotland, only twice had the Dutch gone on to win by 2 goals or more.
My prediction: SCOTLAND +1 1/2
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