FIFA WC 2022 | Senegal vs Netherlands: Preview & prediction | H2H | lineup

Senegal and Netherlands lock horns in the Group A match of the World Cup, 2022 at the Al Thumama stadium on Monday.

Senegal, the reigning champions of Africa qualified for the World Cup as the leader of their qualifier group. The African side led by coach Aliou Cisse has had a fantastic fortune since he took up the job in 2015, having a 69.33% win percentage so far and reaching the finals of AFCON twice winning it on one occasion in the process and has built up an excellent squad and is considered by many a dark horse for the World Cup in Qatar, however, the team suffered a massive blow before World Cup as captain Sadio Mane is ruled out due to the fibula injury.

On the other hand, the Netherlands are a side to keep a close eye on, the team led by the veteran Louis Van Gaal, and captain Virgil Van Dijk. The Dutch side is in excellent form and has serious talents in the squad with the perfect balance of young and senior members.

Coach Van Gaal is managing the side for the second time having previously enjoyed a successful spell with the Dutch team, reaching the semis of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The Oranje are regarded as the biggest footballing side to never the World Cup, having reached three finals, as they eye their maiden triumph in Qatar.

Two exciting teams are up for the first challenge in Group A, it will be spectators' joy to watch both sides up against each other.

Senegal v Netherlands Head to Head

Both sides haven't played with the other in an official game before, as Monday's meeting will be the first meeting between Senegal and Netherlands. For Van Gaal's side, it will be a tricky fixture, given the Lions of Teranga are yet to lose to a European opponent in a group stage game, and are yet to concede multiple goals to the opposition since their 2-2 draw with Madagascar in AFCON qualifiers on September 2, 2018. 

Head coach Aliou Cisse will certainly look to keep things tight at the back against Van Gaal's side. however, despite the success Senegal enjoyed in recent times, Sadio Mane was an integral part of it, and their side will greatly miss him.

Senegal currently ranked 18th in the FIFA rankings have a perfect opening game record, however, the Netherlands, the 10th-ranked team, are unbeaten in their previous eight openers, winning six of those.

Senegal v Netherlands Team News

Senegal

Cisse pledged: “We will do all in our power to ensure we can recover Mane in time to play.” however, the injury sustained by his fibula, couldn't be recovered on time for World Cup. With Mane out for the tournament, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Krepin Diatta, and Bamba Dieng will all fight for the spot on the left flank.

Moreover, RB Leipzig defender Abdou Diallo will likely miss the clash against the Netherlands with a knee injury.

Netherlands

Louis Van Gaal will miss his greatest attacking threat, Memphis Depay, as the forward is ruled out at least their opening match due to a hamstring issue. The Barcelona man, who has just featured three times for the Catalan club, played an instrumental role in Netherlands' qualification for World Cup with 12 goals and six assists.

Moreover, right-back Denzel Dumfries and midfielder Marten De Roon are also doubtful for the game, as the former took a knock while playing for Inter Milan against Atalanta, Meanwhile, De Roon, was absent from Atalanta's squad in that match with a back issue.

Senegal v Netherlands Predicted lineup

Senegal

E. Mendy; Sabaly, Cisse, Koulibaly, Ballo-Toure; Kouyate, N. Mendy, I. Gueye; I. Sarr, Dia, Diatta

Netherlands

Pasveer; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Frimpong, F. De Jong, Koopmeiners, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Bergwijn

Senegal v Netherlands Date, kick-off time, and venue

The Group A match encounters on Monday, November 21 will kick off at 9.30 PM IST, 4:00 PM Local Time

Venue: Al Thumama Stadiummake 

Prediction

Senegal 0-1 Netherlands