Friday's Euro 2024 fixtures feature a high-stakes clash in Group D, as Netherlands face off against France at the Red Bull Arena.
Both teams are vying for a spot in the last 16, promising a fascinating clash.
With both sides coming into the game looking for a win in hope of topping the group, it sets up for a lively affair.
The two sides met twice last year in the qualifying rounds of the tournament, with France victorious on both occasions.
A 4-0 win at home was followed by a 2-1 win at the Johan Cruyff arena in Amsterdam.
Both sides have started the tournament well with a win in their opening games and a win from either side would confirm their place in the next round.
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Team News
France come into the game with what is relatively a full strength team. Major worry for Didier Deschamps however, with star striker Kylian Mbappe who remains a doubt after suffering a broken nose against Austria.
The Frenchman was pictured in training with a protection mask and may still have some participation - although very slim chances of starting.
Despite being left out of the team due to injury on Monday, left sided defender Lucas Hernandez is expected to be back in contention to feature off the bench.
His brother Theo Hernandez, put in a fantastic performance in his absence and is expected to continue at left-back.
Les Blues do not have any suspensions for the game - Didier Dechamps will have some decisions to make, considering the number of players to his disposal.
Netherlands
The Dutch come into the game with little to no injury concerns.
Despite being without Ajax man Brian Brobbey for their opener against Poland, he was pictured back in training this week so Ronald Koeman should have no concerns in regards to unavailability.
Although he may not be looking ahead to the next game yet, a yellow card to Joey Veerman would result in a one game ban. Therefore, would miss their clash against Austria.
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Likely Lineups
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram; Giroud
Netherlands
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Veerman; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay
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Key players
France - Antoine Griezmann
For France, the pressure will turn to proven gamechangers. One who will most certainly look to control the game will be Antoine Griezmann.
In the possible absence of Kylian Mbappe, Griezmann will have to step up to the plate and become France’s key talisman in attack.
With 24 goals last season for Atletico Madrid, the senior international is certainly not a stranger in finding the back of the net.
However, even if the former Paris Saint-Germain man does play, Griezmann may prove to be the star man, with 44 goals for his national side.
Netherlands - Virgil Van Dijk
The man who will certainly be relied upon in a hugely experienced Netherlands side will be captain, Virgil Van Dijk.
Regardless of Mbappe's participation, France boast a plethora of attacking talent, making them formidable with or without one world-class attacker.
Hence the Liverpool centre back will need to be at the top of his game to give Netherlands any chance of coming away with three points.
Ronald Koeman is certainly a manager blessed with quality and top level experience in defence.
Denzel Dumfries, Stefan De Vrij and Nathan Ake forms for a solid out-of-possession structure along with Van Dijk himself who still shows to perform at a high class level.
The strength of their defence is evident, as demonstrated by the omission of standout performers.
Jeremy Frimpong and Micky Van de Ven - who, despite having exceptional seasons at their respective clubs, were left out of the starting lineup in the previous match.
Despite their talent at the back, Van Dijk will have to be a leader in keeping the back four or potentially five, solid.
The 32 year-old will have to deal with the aerial threat of former Arsenal man Olivier Giroud, while also being mindful of the pace of Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembele.
Similarly if he doesn’t start, Mbappe could come on at any point and change the complexion of the game for France so it is vital the Dutch don’t switch off.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game will be played at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig. The capacity of the ground is 45,000.
What time is kick-off?
The game kicks off at 20:00pm UK time.
How can I watch?
Like all games at the European Championship, the match is free-to-air. This fixture will be available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
