This article is part of our Daily Fantasy Soccer Cheat Sheet series.
Match Preview
Netherlands and Germany will compete in a mouth-watering clash in their opening UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Sunday. The tie is one of the most anticipated ones in the world of football, as both teams are considered European powerhouses.
Netherlands are going through a bit of resurgence after suffering a series of horrendous results in the past few year, including just four wins in 10 games during 2016 qualifying. However, after missing out in 2016 and the FIFA World Cup 2018, Netherlands cemented qualification in the last-four of the inaugural UEFA Nations League. Ronald Koeman's men have won three of their last six matches in all competitions (one defeat), and enter Sunday as the favourite to win.
On the other hand, Germany have had 12 difficult months, as they crashed out of the group stage in the World Cup and then failed qualify for the last four in the UEFA Nations League. Following those results, manager Joachim Loew came under severe criticism, including calls for his removal. In a move to bring the team into a new era, he has decided to stop calling up veterans Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng.
Both teams have faced each other nine times before, with Netherlands having a slight 3-2 edge in terms of victories, while four of the last five encounters ended in draws.
Predicted Lineups
Netherlands: Jasper Cillessen, Matthijs de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk, Daley Blind, Denzel
Match Preview
Netherlands and Germany will compete in a mouth-watering clash in their opening UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Sunday. The tie is one of the most anticipated ones in the world of football, as both teams are considered European powerhouses.
Netherlands are going through a bit of resurgence after suffering a series of horrendous results in the past few year, including just four wins in 10 games during 2016 qualifying. However, after missing out in 2016 and the FIFA World Cup 2018, Netherlands cemented qualification in the last-four of the inaugural UEFA Nations League. Ronald Koeman's men have won three of their last six matches in all competitions (one defeat), and enter Sunday as the favourite to win.
On the other hand, Germany have had 12 difficult months, as they crashed out of the group stage in the World Cup and then failed qualify for the last four in the UEFA Nations League. Following those results, manager Joachim Loew came under severe criticism, including calls for his removal. In a move to bring the team into a new era, he has decided to stop calling up veterans Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng.
Both teams have faced each other nine times before, with Netherlands having a slight 3-2 edge in terms of victories, while four of the last five encounters ended in draws.
Predicted Lineups
Netherlands: Jasper Cillessen, Matthijs de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk, Daley Blind, Denzel Dumfries, Georginio Wijnaldum, Marten de Roon, Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Babel, Memphis Depay, Quincy Promes
Germany: Manuel Neuer, Matthias Ginter, Niklas Sule, Antonio Rudiger, Thilo Kehrer, Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos, Nico Schulz, Marco Reus, Timo Werner, Leroy Sane
Combined XI
Players To Watch
Virgil Van Dijk (D): Netherlands' Virgil Van Dijk is being termed as one of the very best in his position. The 27-year-old, who is the most expensive defender in the history of modern football, is having an outstanding season for Liverpool in the English Premier League, where he is averaging 1.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 5.0 clearances per game. Additionally, his size will always make him an excellent aerial threat on set pieces. Therefore, manager Koeman will be hoping his star defender will continue his amazing form and produce another stellar performance Sunday.
Leroy Sane (M): Germany's Leroy Sane is being termed as one of the very best young players in the modern game and is having an outstanding season Manchester City, where he has scored eight goals and provided nine assists in 18 league appearances.
Marco Reus (F): Germany's Marco Reus is in outstanding form for Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga, where he has scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 22 appearances. Those numbers suggest why Reus is so important for Germany, and manager Loew will be hoping to see his star player once again shine for his country.
Captain pick: Marco Reus
Vice-captain pick: Virgil Van Dijk
