Netherlands vs France

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Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo are only two of the significant performers who aren't present for this round for the Netherlands. Koeman continues to be without a number of highly regarded players, like Sven Botman, Matthijs de Ligt, and Jurrien Timber, even in defense.

Ronald Koeman still has the luxury of selecting from a talented list of center-backs, including uncapped Tottenham sensation Micky van de Ven, even with that many defenders out. Even though he might not start against France, he does present a potential alternative to replace one of the manager's three centre-backs if that becomes required.

To manage the backline, Koeman will rely on the seasoned three of Virgil van Dijk, Stefan de Vrij, and Nathan Ake. The Netherlands were without Denzel Dumfries for their matchup with France due to his suspension. However, the wingback is ready to start this match and is once again accessible.

With eight goals in qualifying, Steven Bergwijn continues to be their top attacking danger. In order to defeat France this time around, the Netherlands will also start Donyell Malen and Xavi Simons in the front three.

Didier Deschamps, unlike the Netherlands, is not overly concerned about his team's absent players because the squad already has adequate replacements. Despite participating on Sunday in Arsenal's victory over Manchester City, William Saliba withdrew due to a toe injury from these next matches.

The other members of the squad who are not there are Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano, but everyone else is healthy and ready to participate against the Netherlands. Deschamps may decide to pair Ibrahima Konate and Lucas Hernandez in central defense in the latter's absence, while Jean-Clair Todibo is also a possibility.

The Netherlands, set to face France this week, have significant improvements to make before they can be considered serious contenders for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024. They haven't been in their best form leading up to this crucial match against France, but they do have an extra game in their Group B schedule, which Ronald Koeman should exploit to their advantage.

After losing in the Nations League semi-final to Croatia and the third-place match to Italy, the Oranje have managed to secure victories in their last two qualifying games. In the previous international break, Koeman's team comfortably defeated Greece and Italy.

France, on the other hand, has reason to be content with their current position in the qualifying campaign. They have won all five of their matches and hold a six-point lead at the top of the group, positioning them well for Euro 2024 qualification. It seems like Les Bleus are almost there, needing just a few more positive results to secure their spot.

In the last international break, France easily defeated Ireland and, despite a late loss to Germany in a friendly match, they continue to perform impressively. In their previous meeting with the Netherlands in France, Deschamps' team convincingly won 4-0, and he's hoping for a similar performance this time around. As France travels to the Netherlands, Koeman will aim to leverage home advantage to inspire better performance from his players.

As a result, Theo Hernandez might start at left back while Benjamin Pavard appears to be the best choice to start at right back in Kounde's absence. In midfield, Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni are ideally situated to form a double pivot. Deschamps, however, has several other choices, including Eduardo Camavinga and Youssouf Fofana.

Mbappe and three other French strikers will be among the many famous players who will take the field when the Netherlands and France face off. However, the home team will rely on the wisdom and dexterity of their outstanding defender, van Dijk, who could need to be alert to preserve his goal.

Van Dijk has had a strong start to the season and will look to continue his success with Liverpool on the international stage. However, contests like these against France will appear as a litmus test for the seasoned player because he has a lot to prove and needs to assist the Oranje advance to the major tournament next summer.

The Netherlands had played one less games than their Euro 2024 qualifying Group B counterparts going into the October internationals because of their failed attempt in the Nations League finals, where losses to Croatia and Italy made it four defeats from five for Ronald Koeman's troubled army.