The Netherlands will face Spain on March 20 in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals at Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam. This highly anticipated match will bring together two European football powerhouses, each with its own unique strengths and strategies. Here is our predicted Netherlands lineup.

Netherlands Predicted Lineup Vs Spain In Nations League Quarter-Final Clash

How Netherlands Have Lined Up Recently

In their last match, a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Netherlands went with Mark Flekken in goal; Jeremie Frimpong, Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij, and Jorrel Hato were in defence; Teun Koopmeiners, Mats Wieffer, Justin Kluivert, Joshua Zirkzee, and Noa Lang were in midfield and they finished with Brian Brobbey up front.

Read More: Wolves Without A Leader: Is The Club Losing Direction?

Netherlands’ Recent Form And Tactics

Under the guidance of coach Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands has predominately used a 1-4-5-1 formation. They typically set up in a mid-block, focusing on shutting down central areas and directing the opposition towards the flanks. Koeman instructs his midfielders to track their counterparts closely while the wingers follow the opposing full-backs.

This approach creates a fluid defensive structure, with the midfield five constantly adjusting to the opposition, often forming asymmetrical shapes and formations.  The Dutch team has showcased a mixed bag of results in their recent fixtures: a commanding 4-0 victory over Hungary on November 16, 2024, which highlighted their attacking prowess, and a 1-1 draw away to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which underscored some defensive vulnerabilities.

Netherlands Injuries To Consider

Denzel Dumfries and Jerdy Scouten have withdrawn from the squad due to injury. Nathan Ake, Stefan de Vrij and Devyne Rensch remain on the sideline. Frenkie de Jong is also doubtful about being fit for the game.

Read More: Five Best Wolves Goalkeepers In History

Netherlands Predicted Lineup Vs Spain

GK: Bart Verbruggen

Defenders: Jeremie Frimpong, Matthijs de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk, &  Jorrel Hato

Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch, Mats Wieffer, Xavi Simons, & Tijjani Reijnders

Forwards: Coady Gakpo & Brian Brobbey

The post Netherlands Predicted Lineup Vs Spain for March 20 appeared first on Last Word on Football.

Due to the expansion of the UEFA Nations League, to now include two-legged quarterfinal ties before the Final Four tournament, runners-up of last season’s UNL edition, Croatia, are still in the running for it this time. They face France in those quarterfinal games, playing the first leg at home. Last Word on Football brings you our Croatia predicted lineup for the match.

Croatia Predicted Lineup vs France

How Croatia Have Lined Up Recently

In the most recent international window in November, coach Zlatko Dalić was forced to go with a very different lineup, than he is likely to rely upon in Thursday’s first leg. That is true both tactically and in terms of personnel. On Matchday 6 of the Nations League group stage against Portugal, they started as follows:

Dominik Livaković was in goal, as Josip Šutalo, Duje Ćaleta-Car, and Joško Gvardiol were the trio in defence. Meanwhile, Ivan Perišić and Borna Sosa played in the wingback roles on either side.

Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić were the central midfield duo, as Andrej Kramarić, Martin Baturina, and Igor Matanović were the front three.

Read More: The Biggest Croatia Football Success Stories and can they win Euro 2024?

As noted above, it will be a quite different formation and lineup this time around. The return of Josip Stanišić, in particular, from a long-term injury will give Dalić the opportunity to play with a back four instead, but more on that later.

Croatia Recent Form and Tactics

Recent form of course isn’t much of an indicator for an international side, that last met four months ago. But for what it’s worth, Croatia’s recent results were not particularly good. The Vatreni only won two of their last six matches. Still, it was enough to finish second in their group by the skin of their teeth, thus qualifying for this quarterfinal stage.

Read More: Five Things We Learnt From the Croatia Euro Exit

Tactically, Dalić is likely to return to his preferred 4-3-3 formation. It is likely the best fit for the players now available to him as well.

Croatia Injuries to Consider

As of this writing, there are no known injuries to the players in the current squad.

Croatia Predicted Lineup vs France

Livaković, Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol, Kovačić, Modrić, Pašalić, Kramarić, Budimir, Perišić.

The post Croatia Predicted Lineup vs France for March 20 appeared first on Last Word on Football.

This is the Chelsea Women confirmed lineup for their Women’s Champions League Quarter-Final tie with Manchester City Women. These two teams are currently embroiled in a four match series across three different competitions, the Blues struck first blood in the Subway Cup Final and head into this one with a lot of faith in themselves as Bunny Shaw has been ruled out of the clash. Can Sonia Bompastor remain undefeated or will Nick Cushing pull it out of the bag at the Joie Stadium?

Read More: Chelsea Women Predicted Lineup vs Manchester City for March 19

Chelsea Women Confirmed Lineup vs Manchester City for UWCL Collision

Chelsea Women Team News

Hannah Hampton starts in goal behind the familiar back four of Millie Bright, Nathalie Bjorn, Lucy Bronze, and Sandy Baltimore. Keira Walsh joins Erin Cutchbert for the midfield pivot with Cat Macario, Lauren James, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Mayra Ramirez as the four up front.

Becky Spencer is on the bench with Katie Cox, Sjoeke Nusken, Ashley Lawrence, Wieke Kaptein, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Niamh Charles, Maika Hamano, Oriane Jean-Francois, and Lola Brown.

Notable Changes

There’s surprisingly only two changes made to the starting crew form the Subway Cup Final. Hamano doesn’t replace Macario despite showing a lot of energy after coming off the bench and posing a better pressing threat. Instead Beever-Jones comes in for Rytting Kaneryd on the left, possibly to form a front two of strikers out of possession but she can also provide a lot of energy on the counter attack.

The other change is Walsh coming in for Nusken, despite being  a new signing the English international has changed how the Blues play and offers them a chance to free up Cuthbert.

Manchester City Women Team News

Yamashita, Caspari, Prior, Aleixandri, Ouhabi, Hasegawa, Roord, Park, Kerolin, Murphy, Fowler

Stay tuned for the Chelsea Women confirmed lineup for their massive Champions League clash with Manchester City Women. There will be news as well as a discussion on who started, who was dropped, and what tweaks we may see from the manager.

The post Chelsea Women Confirmed Lineup vs Manchester City Women for March 19 appeared first on Last Word on Football.

It was another up-and-down week for Oxford United, with the U’s losing against a relegation rival before picking up a vital three points.

Ahead of the upcoming international break, there was also a call-up for some of Gary Rowett’s players.

Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Mixed Championship Results

International Call-Ups

Ciaron Brown was the first to be called up to represent Northern Ireland for their upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden.

The U’s defender could face up against two of Europe’s top strikers in Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak.

Brown could earn his 24th and 25th caps in these upcoming fixtures.

Mark Harris was next with the Wales striker in line to face Kazakhstan and North Macedonia in World Cup qualifying action.

Ole Romeny earned his first call-up for the Indonesia national team and could be in line to face Australia and Bahrain in World Cup qualifiers alongside U’s teammate, Marselino Ferdinan.

Ben Nelson will also represent the England Elite Squad for games against Portugal and Switzerland.

Defeat at Hull

Oxford’s winless run was extended on Wednesday when Gary Rowett’s side lost at relegation rivals Hull.

The U’s took the lead through Michal Helik in the second half but quickly shipped two goals as the Tigers turned the tide.

Oxford did have chances to level but will be frustrated at throwing away a good opportunity for three vital points on the road.

Win Over Watford

The U’s bounced back from that damaging defeat on the Humber with a 1-0 win at home against Watford.

Rowett made five changes from the defeat against the Tigers, with one of them in Siriki Dembele netting the only goal of the game with under ten minutes remaining.

Despite the win, the U’s remain just four points clear of the drop following wins from Derby and Cardiff.

The post Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Mixed Championship Results appeared first on Last Word on Football.

Arsenal gained some momentum ahead of the March (2025) international break with their 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League. But it seems that the club are working hard behind the scenes to keep their squad’s core strengthened for years to come, with a positive update on Bukayo Saka’s future.

Arsenal Set To Open Talks With Bukayo Saka Over Contract Extension

Why Are Arsenal Rushing For Saka’s Contract Renewal?

The 23-year-old winger still has two years remaining on his current contract with the Gunners, which he signed in 2022. However, the BBC’s Sami Mokbel has reported that Arsenal are now ready to open formal talks with the Englishman’s representatives over a potential extension to his deal.

Read More: Arsenal ‘Optimistic’ in Priority Talks Over New Long-Term Contract For ‘Extra Special’ Midfielder

It’s added that the North London heavyweights want to stop any uncertainty over Saka’s future creeping in and have made the prospect of giving him a new long-term contract “one of their top priorities” for 2025. It’s further claimed that initial moves from Arsenal have already been made towards opening talks for the contract extension discussions.

Mokbel also claims that the deal which the winger had signed three years ago was worth around £10 million per year in wages and bonuses, with the 23-year-old currently focusing on regaining full fitness and getting back to action for his club as soon as possible.

What Is The Latest Update On Saka’s Return From Injury?

The England international will not be able to play the first matches under Thomas Tuchel because of his hamstring injury. He picked up this issue during Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League in December (2024) and he has been out of action since then. However, Mikel Arteta recently gave a positive update on his situation by hinting that the Saka will return to training during the international break.

Read More: Arsenal Lead The Race For Bundesliga Forward

The 23-year-old will probably push for a return to action for the final stretch of the 2024/25 season and push to be available for the matches against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals. Saka, who was hailed for his “outstanding performance” in the Gunners’ 2-2 draw against Liverpool earlier this season, has nine goals and 13 assists so far in the ongoing campaign for his side.

The post ‘One Of Their Top Priorities’: Arsenal Ready to Open Talks With ‘Outstanding’ Star’s Contract Extension appeared first on Last Word on Football.

Scotland will face Greece in the Nations League A section play-off. A campaign which seemed doomed to end in relegation after three straight losses was rescued by Steve Clarke’s men with seven points in their final three ties. The question now becomes whether they can guard their position in the top bracket of the oh-so-loved Nations League.

New Blood in Scotland Camp

Throughout his tenure, Clark has been criticised for the lack of fresh faces introduced to the camp. Whether that is an entirely fair criticism is complex. While he has been rather reserved in his team selection, he might simply not rate those up-and-coming.

Read More: New Additions to Scotland Squad and The Return of Star Players

Although, after announcing his squad last week for this brief international break, Lennon Miller and James Wilson were included for the first time. Therefore, what can they bring to the table over the next week?

Lennon Miller

Miller is one of the hottest young prospects in Scottish football. Just eighteen years old, he has been linked with a move to boyhood club Celtic.. He has shown versatility, being able to play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and more recently as a number ten.

Read More: Four Things To Look Out For In Glasgow Derby

While he does seem to lack a little pace, his reading of the game makes up for this. His passing range and decision-making are excellent and are what make him a stand out in this Motherwell side.

With Callum McGregor retiring from the international scene, plus Kenny McLean and Stuart Armstrong getting no younger, Miller could add to options such as John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Ryan Christie and Lewis Ferguson. Suddenly, there seems to be real strength in depth.

James Wilson

Wilson has made himself at home in Neil Critchley’s Hearts side. He may have just six goal contributions this season, but it’s the striker-like movements that catch the eye. That was evident in his monumental equaliser at Easter Road earlier in the season.

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At times his finishing can be rash, but that’s expected of a striker at his stage. Plus, over the coming years, he will no doubt physically develop. More importantly, the striker position is in dire need of new blood for Scotland. Che Adams lacks consistency, and while Lyndon Dykes can be effective at times, he lacks the quality to worry solid defences.

Time will tell

With Aaron Hickey on the road back, plus Ben Doak sure to feature again soon, suddenly a core of young players starts to develop for the Scottish National Team. In all likeliness, it won’t be under the guidance of Clarke, as he looks set to step down after the World Cup in 2026, but maybe just maybe, the future can be bright for the Tartan Army.

The post The New Call Ups To Look Out For In Scottish Colours appeared first on Last Word on Football.

This is a Chelsea Women predicted lineup as they face a second of four consecutive matches with Manchester City Women. The Champions League Quarter Final is the stage this time after the Subway Cup Final between the two at the weekend which saw the Blues emerge as 2-1 winners to life the trophy. With the tie this time not at a neutral ground and instead in the Joie Stadium, it will be tough for Sonia Bompastor to mastermind another win, especially after the intense 90-minute clash just days ago.

Chelsea Women Predicted Lineup vs Manchester City in UWCL Tie

How Chelsea Women Have Lined Up Recently

Hannah Hampton has started every match in goal. In defence, the centre back pairing has been Millie Bright and Nathalie Bjorn with all other senior players in that position out injured. Sandy Baltimore is usually the left back but Niamh Charles has also appeared there at times. Lucy Bronze is the starting right back with Ashley Lawrence deputising.

Read More: ‘Medical Done’: Chelsea Beat Premier League Rival to Pull Off Surprise Transfer Agreement

In midfield, Erin Cuthbert and Sjoeke Nusken is clearly the strongest pairing with Kiera Walsh out injured. Oriane Jean-Francois and Wieke Kaptein can also play there but find it tough to get past the three top-tier options.

In attacking midfield the options are Cat Macario or Maika Hamano with the two offering different skillsets. They are supported by Lauren James and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd as the usual wingers. Aggie Beever-Jones can play on the wing, as can Sandy Baltimore, with Mayra Ramirez trusted up front. Beever-Jones also offers rotation for Ramirez despite the recent return of Mia Fishel.

Chelsea Women Recent Form and Tactics

Bompastor has played some variation of a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1/4-1-4-1 for the most part with a brief switch to a 3-4-3/3-5-2 proving to be ineffective. With this flexibility she’s managed to adapt to each opponent and remains undefeated since making the move from Lyon to London. Not only is she unbeaten but she has won all but two games.

Read More: Looking at Who’s to Blame if Chelsea Fail in 2024/25: All Eyes on the Sporting Directors and Owners

One slight worry is on the goalkeeping, after being a wall most attackers couldn’t get past, the squad have only kept one clean sheet in their last six outings, a number of which could be pinned on Hampton as mistakes. So far, the Blues haven’t failed to score in a match this season which has kept them unbeaten but tightening up the defence could be key to their ambitions of a quadruple.

Chelsea Women Injuries to Consider

Kadeisha Buchanan and Sophie Ingle are out until the end of the season with ACL injuries. Naomi Girma is dealing with a calf problem that she’s had since joining from the San Diego Wave while Femke Liefting never got to play after her January move and has an injury. Guro Reiten returned from the international break with a back injury and doesn’t appear to be ready for this one. Zecira Musovic is out for the season with her pregnancy.

The manager confirmed that Walsh is fit to return and that there are no new other worries, meaning Girma, Reiten, Musovic, Buchanan, Ingle, and Liefting are the only absentees. In addition, Fishel is not registered for this competition and won’t play.

 Chelsea Women Predicted Lineup

GK – Hannah Hampton

LB – Niamh Charles

CB – Millie Bright

CB – Nathalie Bjorn

RB – Lucy Bronze

DM – Erin Cuthbert

DM – Keira Walsh

AM – Maika Hamano

W – Lauren James

W – Johanna Rytting Kaneryd

ST – Mayra Ramirez

The post Chelsea Women Predicted Lineup vs Manchester City for March 19 appeared first on Last Word on Football.

Liverpool suffered a bitter defeat to Newcastle United in the 2024/25 Carabao Cup final at Wembley, ending their dreams of a potential league double. However, they seem to have a concrete interest in taking a step forward in the transfer negotiations for Alexander Isak.

Liverpool Begin Initial Discussions For Alexander Isak Signing From Newcastle United

Who Are Liverpool Competing With For Isak Signing?

The Swedish forward was a menace for the Reds, as he scored Newcastle’s second goal to power their 2-1 win over Arne Slot’s side at Wembley. Well, Fabrizio Romano has now reported that Liverpool will pursue the 26-year-old striker in the 2025 summer window.

Read More: Liverpool Receive Blow On Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Future

He claims that the Reds have already made contact with representatives close to the Newcastle star ahead of the summer window. It’s also added that for Liverpool, Isak remains on the names being considered internally to improve the no.9 position for the 2025/26 season.

However, Romano has also claimed that Arsenal are vying for Isak’s signing in the summer window. It’s added that the Gunners consider him to be a top target for the summer window and will be trying their hardest to get a deal done to bolster their frontline. This means Liverpool could face a fight with their Premier League title rivals for the Swedish forward’s signing after the ongoing campaign is over.

How Much Could Isak Signing Cost Liverpool?

The major problem that the Reds or any other club would face in the pursuit of Isak is Newcastle United’s valuation of him. It has been reported that the Magpies are valuing their star striker at more than £150 million, which would mean that Slot’s side will need to break their transfer record to have a chance of signing him.

Read More: Mohamed Salah Makes Comment On Liverpool Future

Liverpool’s frontline could be significantly boosted with Isak’s signing, considering the striker’s form. The Swedish forward, who has been hailed as “sensational” by Eddie Howe, has scored 23 goals in 33 appearances for Newcastle United this season, which included three in their Carabao Cup winning campaign.

The post Liverpool Focusing on Ambitious Transfer for ‘Sensational’ £150 Million Premier League Marksman appeared first on Last Word on Football.

This is the Manchester United confirmed lineup for their Premier League tie with Leicester City. This is the final dose of league action before the international break and provides the Red Devils with a chance to gain some momentum before the break by beating on a relegation-threatened opponent.

This Manchester united confirmed lineup will have news as well as some discussion on who starts, who is dropped, and what tactical tweaks Ruben Amorim may employ.

Manchester United Confirmed Lineup vs Leicester in Premier League Clash

Manchester United Team News

Andre Onana keeps his spot as the number one goalkeeper without much challenge. Victor Lindelof is in the back line alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven, alongside Nouassair Mazzraoui who can either play as wing-back or a wide centre-back. Diogo Dalot gets the start as the other wing-back. Manuel Ugarte is in midfield with Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes while Alejandro Garnacho joins Christian Eriksen up front.

Manchester United Lineup: Onana, Lindelof, Heaven, De Ligt, Mazzraoui, Dalot, Eriksen, Fernandes, Garnacho, Eriksen

Notable Changes

Casemiro is out after starting against Sociedad with Ugarte coming back in for him. Dorgu misses out which will likely push Mazzraoui back out to the wing-back position with with Lindelof coming in to make up the back three alongside surprise package Heaven who keeps his place after the Europa League tie.

There is no room on the starting side for Joshua Zirkzee who is on the bench with him being replaced by Eriksen. Garnacho and Hojlund keep their spots as the most natural attackers. Adding Eriksen does provide another natural midfielder to the setup which could help Amorim’s side control the game a bit better.

Leicester Team News

Mads Hermansen starts in goal for the Foxes as one of the first names on the team shit. The rest of the lineup is Justin, Faes, Coady, Kristiansen, Thomas, Soumare, Ndidi, El Khannous, Daka, Vardy

The post Manchester United Confirmed Lineup vs Leicester City for March 16 appeared first on Last Word on Football.

This is the Newcastle confirmed lineup for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. Eddie Howe will be without some key players for this one but should be able to field largely his preferred eleven in this one. Both sides play a similar style of football with a focus on attacking and pressing which could make for an entertaining outing.

Read More: Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool for March 16

Newcastle Confirmed Lineup vs Liverpool for Carabao Cup Final

Newcastle Team News

Nick Pope starts in goal with a back line of Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, and Tino Livramento. Sandro Tonali features in midfield alongside Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, and Harvey Barnes are the attacking trio of the day with Isak being tasked to lead the line and be as clinical as usual.

Newcastle Lineup: Pope, Schar, Trippier, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Murphy, Isak, Barnes

Notable Changes

This is the same starting eleven that How utilised against West Ham in a 1-0 win. Without key names like Anthony Gordon it is the strongest fit for the manager’s 4-3-3 system which appears to be the setup for this clash with the Reds.

It’s understandable to stick to a settled eleven for such a big clash, the manager didn’t want to take risks to disrupt the squad’s form even with opinions like Lewis Miley, Sean Longstaff, and Callum Wilson available on the bench to change the game if needs be as substitutes.

Liverpool Team News

Kelleher, Van Dijk, Konate, Diaz, Szoboszlai, MacAllister, Salah, Jota, Robertson, Gravenberch, Quansah

Stay tuned for the Newcastle predicted lineup. There will be news on who started as well as a discussion of who was dropped and any tweaks we may see from Howe. Keep your eyes on Wembley as we will see the first major trophy of the season handed out to one of England’s premiere teams.

The post Newcastle Confirmed Lineup vs Liverpool for March 16 appeared first on Last Word on Football.