Netherlands vs Uzbekistan Prediction: Oranje to return to winning ways

The Netherlands suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to Algeria on Wednesday evening as their preparations for the World Cup took a slight knock. Ronald Koeman's side were expected to secure a comfortable victory, but a late goal by Anis Moussa sealed the deal for the Fennecs.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, are warming up for their maiden appearance at the World Cup finals and will face a tough test against the Dutch (2:45pm local, 7:45pm BST). Below are my Netherlands vs Uzbekistan predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash on Monday.

Team news

Koeman has a full-strength squad to choose from ahead of this friendly match as there were no injuries sustained in the defeat to Algeria.

He did make 11 substitutions during that game, so expect a few changes to his starting XI for this one.

Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro, whose side lost 2-0 to Canada last time out, will be without Azizjon Ganiev and Husniddin Aliqulov.

The former will recover for the tournament, but Aliqulov wasn't named in the final squad due to a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Football Odds

Netherlands vs Uzbekistan Odds

The Netherlands are clear favourites to win this match at 2/7, with a draw currently priced at 4/1. Uzbekistan are big underdogs, which is reflected by odds of 15/2 for the Asian nation to emerge as the victors.

Over 2.5 goals is priced at 8/15, with both teams to score sitting at 10/11.

Both teams to score - No @ 4/5

Koeman's men conceded just four times during World Cup qualifying across their eight games, but this defensive solidity has slipped recently.

Indeed, the Oranje have conceded in each of their last three friendly matches, against Norway, Ecuador and of course, Algeria.

Uzbekistan have failed to score in two consecutive matches and their only goals since the end of January have come against Gabon and Armenian club side Urartu.

With the Dutch very much wary of improving at the back, don't expect Uzbekistan to trouble the Oranje keeper too much.

Donyell Malen to score anytime @ 7/5

Donyell Malen finished the club season off well during a loan stint with Roma, scoring 15 goals for the Italian side.

He heads into the World Cup as Koeman's main man to lead the line, but he failed to offer too much against Algeria last time out.

While the manager is going to make changes, expect Malen to remain in the starting XI.

This time, with the World Cup just days away, the former Aston Villa striker should deliver a far stronger display in front of goal.