The second Group A match after the opening game of the 2022 World Cup will see African champions Senegal lock horns with 2010 finalists, Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium on Monday, November 21 at 16:00 GMT.
Senegal will be hoping to get off to a good start without talisman Sadio Mane, who has been ruled out of the competition due to a leg injury. However, it will likely be challenging against a Netherlands team that look formidable and have backed by some to go all the way.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
Senegal have won four of their last five matches, one of which helped them secure qualification for the World Cup. Netherlands are enjoying a similar run with their draw against Poland in the UEFA Nations League being their worst outcome in five matches.
SENEGAL’S FORM
27 September Iran 1–1 Senegal Friendly
24 September Bolivia 0–2 Senegal Friendly
7 June 2022 Rwanda 0–1 Senegal 2023 AFCON Qualifier
4 June 2022 Senegal 3–1 Benin 2023 AFCON Qualifier
29 March 2022 Senegal 1–0 Egypt WC QLF 2nd Leg
NETHERLAND’S FORM
25 September 22 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
8 June 22 Wales 1–2 Netherlands UEFA Nations League
HEAD TO HEAD
The two sides are yet to play each other in an official game.
TEAM NEWS AND PREDICTED LINE-UP
SENEGAL
Senegal’s main concern ahead of the game will be Sadio Mane’s absence due to a leg injury suffered while playing for Bayern Munich a few weeks ago. Things got even worse when it was announced last Thursday that he would be unable to compete in the entire tournament. Their head coach Aliou Cisse has either preferred a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
(4-2-3-1) Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Ballo-Toure; Gueye, Mendy, Sarr; Sarr, Dia, Diatta.
NETHERLANDS
Louis Van Gaal may be fortunate to have almost all of his men fit and ready for the encounter. He would obviously continue in his favourite 3-5-2 with Van Dijk and de Ligt.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
(3-4-1-2) Pasveer; de Ligt, van Dijk, Malacia; Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Blind; Gakpo; Bergwijn, Depay.