Netherlands vs Scotland prediction 22.03.2024

• Date: 22.03.2024
• Competition: Friendly
• KO: 19:45 UTC / 20:45 CET
• Venue: Johan Cruijff Arena (Amsterdam)

The Johan Cruijff Arena is the venue for an intriguing international friendly contest as Netherlands takes on Scotland. 

Netherlands vs Scotland Betting Tips: BTTS / Over 2.5

An entertaining matchup is expected on Friday as both nations look to ramp up their Euro 2024 preparations. 

While Scotland arrives in Amsterdam with no wins in their last five matches, Steve Clarke´s side have improved considerably in the past two years. Emerging from their qualification group with 17 points from eight games played, the Scots were the talk of Europe with their impressive wins against Spain and Norway last summer. 

Rising up the FIFA rankings, there is now genuine optimism that Scotland could be poised to finally achieve their dream of qualifying from the first group phase of a major competition. The Scots have fallen at the first hurdle in ten previous appearances at the World Cup and European Championships.

Netherlands come into this fixture with some renewed confidence after picking up wins in five of their last six matches. Ronald Koeman´s side had lost three of four previous matches before recent wins against Ireland (twice), Greece (twice) and Gibraltar. 

Goals can usually be expected when the Scots hit the road. Clarke´s side have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of their last ten away matches. Four of Scotland´s five most recent matches also saw BTTS, and I like the chances of similar outcomes on Friday.

Previous matches between these nations have been largely dominated by the Dutch. Scotland lost 6:0 and 3:0 in their last two visits to Amsterdam in 2003 and 2009, although they did claim a 2:2 draw in their most recent encounter in a friendly in Portugal three years ago. 

Ultimately, I expect both nations to put in strong performances, so a BTTS pick looks to offer the most value on Friday. I also expect over 2.5 goals scored with Scotland more than capable of giving their hosts a tough night at the Johan Cruijff Arena.