For our Netherlands vs Gibraltar prediction, expect goals in a 6-0 home win. @11/2
An uphill task awaits Gibraltar as they travel to face a Netherlands side under the second tenure of Ronald Koeman. The game will be matchday two of the European Qualifiers, with the Netherlands facing France and Gibraltar facing Greece, respectively.
Ronald Koeman embarks on his second spell as the Netherlands manager since his departure from Barcelona. The former Dutch International takes over from Louis Van Gaal, and if his first spell could provide a positive indicator. Koeman's first spell as manager saw him guide the national team to the European Championships in 2020. He also guided the Netherlands to a runners-up medal in the inaugural UEFA Nations League format.
Koeman has wasted little time stamping his authority on the squad for these qualifying games. Highly rated talent and Manchester United target Jeremie Frimpong has caught a scathing from his National team manager following his admission from the team. Koeman stated that the Bayer Leverkusen full-back's defensive abilities, instead opting for Lutsharel Geertruida.
Cody Gakpo will be a huge miss for Ronald Koeman. The recent January acquisition for Liverpool, Gakpo has been in tremendous form across his new club and PSV Eindhoven this summer. The forward has 27 goal contributions in 25 appearances this season. At one point, his goal contribution output was better than Erling Haaland's when the forward was at PSV Eindhoven. Gakpo was also amongst the top scorers for the national side at the World Cup, with three goals in five games.
Memphis Depay will be required to replace the output from Gakpo. The recent acquisition for Atletico Madrid, Depay has adapted to life under Diego Simeone. The former Manchester United forward has three goals in seven league games. Depay was also instrumental in the World Cup qualifying campaign previously. He was pivotal in providing 18 goals and assist contributions across ten qualifying matches.
The Netherlands will be the overwhelming favourite for this tie. (Excluding the France game) they enter this game with two wins in their last four competitive fixtures. They reached the World Cup Quarter-Finals, where they lost in an eventful contest against eventual champions Argentina. Virgil Van Dijk missed a penalty in the shootout loss.
The home side has fared much better in the European Competition than on the World stage. Their only international competition was the famous European Championship win in 1988. Since then, they have reached one World Cup final in 2010, where they were beaten by Spain.
Gibraltar will be up against it when they face the Netherlands. Gibraltar enters the qualification campaign following successive victories over Lichenstein and Andorra. Their Nations League qualification was a bitter disappointment. The away side ended up with one point from six games.
Liam Walker is the most recognised player within their ranks. The 34-year-old, who has played for the likes of Portsmouth and Notts County is the top scorer for his national side with five goals in 65 appearances.