The Khalifa International Stadium will host the two opening match winners from Group A, Netherlands and Ecuador on November 25 at 16:00GMT.
Ecuador were 2-0 winners over hosts Qatar on opening day and would fancy a good result against the three–time World Cup finalists. La Tricolor sealed their win in the first half when skipper Enner Valencia converted a penalty before driving a powerful header past Al Sheeb, the Qatari goalkeeper.
While Netherlands may not be too happy with their previous encounter with Senegal, the 2-0 result presents them an opportunity to seal qualification if they beat Ecuador.
Ecuador have not conceded in their last seven matches and their ability to hold big teams like Argentina and Brazil may come to play as they face another tough opposition.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
Both sides are unbeaten in their last five matches with Netherlands recording four out of five victories. Oranje Holland are yet to concede in their last three. Ecuador have also kept clean sheets in all those matches despite drawing three of them.
NETHERLAND’S FORM
21 November 2022 Senegal 0-2 Netherlands 2022 World Cup Group A
25 September 2022 Netherlands 1–0 Belgium UEFA Nations League
22 September 22 Poland 0–2 Netherlands UEFA Nations League
14 June 22 Netherlands 3–2 Wales UEFA Nations League
11 June 22 Netherlands 2–2 Poland UEFA Nations League
ECUADOR’S FORM
20 November 2022 Qatar 0-2 Ecuador 2022 World Cup Group A
12 November 2022 Ecuador 0–0 Iraq Friendly
27 September 2022 Japan 0–0 Ecuador Friendly
23 September 2022 Saudi Arabia 0–0 Ecuador Friendly
11 June 2022 Ecuador 1–0 Cape Verde Friendly
HEAD TO HEAD
The clash at the Khalifa International Stadium will be the first and most competitive meeting between the two. They have also met twice in International friendlies.
01 Mar 2006 Netherlands 1:0 Ecuador International Friendly
17 May 2014 Netherlands 1:1 Ecuador International Friendly
TEAM NEWS
NETHERLANDS
After coming off the bench to help his team win in the previous match, Memphis Depay could step in for Jansen as Van Gaal targets a second straight win. Martin de Roon was also not fully fit and could start from the bench in the game.
PREDICTED LINEUP
(3-4-1-2): Noppert; De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, F de Jong, Berghuis, Blind; Gakpo; Memphis, Bergwijn
ECUADOR
Enner Valencia was subbed off after getting the crucial goals for Ecuador. The Ecuadorians may not afford to miss the Fernabache striker and could be risked if he is not fully fit before kick-off.
PREDICTED LINEUP
(4-4-1-1): Galindez; Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan; Plata, Caicedo, Mendez, Ibarra; Sarmiento; Valencia