Netherlands vs. Ecuador Betting Tips: Back van Dijk in the shots market
The second round of World Cup Fixtures continue as Netherlands and Ecuador go head to head live on ITV, Friday 4pm, we've previewed the action and provided you with three tips
Both these sides managed to claim all 3 points in their opening fixture, securing 2-0 victories in very different fashion. Louis Van Gaal’s Holland were far their fluent best but 2 late goals edged the win over an also disappointing Senegal side. Ecuador eased past host nation Qatar after 2 quick fire first half goals from former West Ham striker Enner Valencia. A win here for either side will all but secure their sides place in the round of 16 with a game to spare.
Van Gaal is likely to shuffle the pack for this all important Group A fixture. Striker Vincent Janssen struggled in their opener and with Memphis Depay on his way back to full fitness, he should reclaim his place in the side. As for Ecuador, manager Gustavo Alfaro will be hopeful that talisman Enner Valencia will pass as fit as he was withdrawn in the 77th minute Vs Qatar with precaution.
The Netherlands are the bookies favourites for this clash (4/5) with Ecuador 15/4 and the draw priced 5/2.
Netherlands vs Ecuador Tips
At the time of writing, only 4 of the 10 games have seen over 2.5 goals, with 3 of game ending goalless, a trend I can certainly see continuing for this fixture.
Both of these sides have excellent defensive records as of late, which could see goals come at a premium Friday afternoon. Van Gaal’s side are seeking their 4th consecutive clean sheet after keeping blanks Vs Belgium and Poland leading into this WC, teams with much more firepower than Ecuador. It’s worth noting that both these games ended with 2 goals or less.
Even more impressively, Ecuador have kept 7 consecutive clean sheets including the one vs Qatar on Sunday. The last goal they conceded came 8 games ago in a 1-1 draw with Argentina, showing the can keep it tight Vs the big boys. 4 of their 6 matches during this run before the World Cup ended 0-0, which is why I’m also happy to have half a point on no first goalscorer – effectively the same as backing a 0-0 draw at the same price, but own goals keep the bet alive.
My third and final selection for this fixture comes in the player prop market – backing Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk for 2 or more shots is worthy half a point at 11/4.
A bet that landed Vs Senegal on Monday, I fancy van Dijk to be a threat from set pieces as he always is. Both Ecuador's centre-back’s are just over 6ft tall, and the predicted Dutch starting 11 has an average height of 185.6 cm, with Ecuador just 181cm which is quite the difference (WhoScored). Virgil van Dijk is the main threat from corners and it could need a set piece to open up this game.
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