Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the World Cup qualifying match.
Both sides owe their supporters an apology: Lithuania and the Netherlands failed to take three points where they were expected to. Now, though, all the pressure is on the visitors.
Lithuania
Nobody expects anything from Lithuania. Even their own fans, deep down, know they have little chance against a Euro semi-finalist. How can you dream of a draw when you barely scraped one against a League D Nations League side? Malta have always been seen as a minnow, yet they conceded the equaliser against Lithuania only in the 96th minute from the spot, when they were already down to ten men. After that embarrassment, Lithuania found themselves fourth in the group, four points adrift of the top three.
Netherlands
That pack is led by the Netherlands on goal difference, although they should have been two points clear. But they only have themselves to blame. The Dutch were sluggish, assuming the goals would come on their own. And this was against a Poland side boosted by the return of Robert Lewandowski. It wasn’t the Barcelona striker who scored, though, but full-back Matty Cash with a thunderous long-range strike. The Dutch reply came in the first half-hour from his opposite number Denzel Dumfries — and even then, not from open play but a corner.
Lithuania vs Netherlands Prediction
If Ronald Koeman again starts Memphis Depay up top, the Dutch should be much sharper and stand a better chance of a convincing win. Even so, expect them to open the scoring early and then manage the game, which means the scoreline is unlikely to blow out.
