Tunisia vs Netherlands Prediction: Eagles could be set for another tough night

Group F is concluding with all four sides in action at midnight BST (live on BBC One) on Thursday, seeping into the early hours of Friday. There's a preview piece close by, looking at Japan vs Sweden - time now to pop the microscope on Tunisia vs Netherlands.

Tough assignment on paper for the Eagles of Carthage, no points from two outings so far, and especially as Netherlands found their shooting boots last time out against Sweden. Looks a big ask then, and as elimination is certain whatever happens the avoidance of potentially a real hiding might be their main priority, understandably.

Tunisia vs Netherlands Odds

Netherlands are red-hot, overwhelming favourites at 1/10, the Draw trades at 17/2, and Tunisia can be backed at a whopping 25/1. Netherlands at the odds have an implied success probability of 90.9%.

Team News

No injury concerns are reported for Tunisia, but coach Herve Renard might shuffle the pack for his second match in charge, looking to avoid a pasting. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri is thought likely to line up in a playmaker function.

Netherlands should have Quinten Timber back from a concussion, while Brian Brobbey must shake off a knock to line up again. Crysencio Summerville made a terrific impression from the bench the other day against Sweden, giving coach Ronald Koeman some nice selection headaches.

We'll post the lineups below as we receive them, closer to kick-off.

To Win Both Halves - Netherlands @ 8/11

Whatever starting XI the Dutch field it's likely to be too potent for their opponents (famous last words volume 3,241). This is sport after all, and stuff happens.

However - though Oranje didn't impress me much in their opener against Japan, to maintain the Shania Twain vibe they're very much still the one(s) for tonight, and it's surely a question of how many (see famous last words insert, above).

They found their rhythm with a five-goal vengeance against Sweden, and though the Swedes were a tad unfortunate and certainly wasteful in front of goal today's opposition isn't as creative.

To win both halves is certainly a viable possibility for Netherlands, and though it's not as my dear old Grandad would have said a working man's price, it's not too prohibitive either.

They'll have strikers looking to sharpen up for the tougher tests to come, and subs eager to catch Koeman's eye. I can't see them just going through the motions but I suppose it's possible once they feel the points are secure - let's hope not.

Result After 20 Minutes - Netherlands @ 23/20

Searching for good odds-against potential in this one I'm recommending backing Oranje to be ahead after 20 minutes. There's every chance a fast start could be the order of the day, particularly if they've been encouraged to develop a two or three goal cushion (ideal world scenario), thus secure the points, then rotate some subs around providing some welcome match-practice around the squad.

Bigger tests are imminent, and as I mentioned the Japan opener was pretty ordinary. Next time up against the Swedes however we saw some real firepower. Messrs Brobbey, Cody Gakpo and Summerville impressed in front of goal and will be looking to do so once again.

To grow into the tournament is so often a winning formula and whether the Dutch have it in them to sustain a deep challenge I don't know - but this is an ideal opportunity to continue to impress their fans, coach, and the watching world.

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