World Cup 2022 Group A Match Preview: Senegal vs Netherlands

Netherlands starts their World Cup campaign tomorrow against Senegal and this should be the hardest test of the group. This is the first time these two teams have competed against each other as well.

Memphis Depay is comfortably the top-scoring international in the Netherlands' squad but has been struggling with a hamstring issue since appearing for the Oranje in September. Van Gaal confirmed the forward would not start their World Cup opener as he continues his recovery. Vincent Janssen will most likely lead the line on Monday afternoon.

Denzel Dumfries was forced off with a knee injury while turning out for Inter against Atalanta just eight days ahead of the game against Senegal. Marten de Roon wasn't part of the opposition that day as he is suffering from a muscular problem.

Sadio Mane has been confirmed to miss the entire campaign and will be a massive loss for the lions from Teranga. The Bayern Munich forward picked up an injury to his right fibula in Bayern's 6-1 Bundesliga win over Werder Bremen but despite this injury, he was still picked for the 26-man squad.

Bayern Munich came out with a statement that read: “Sadio Mane underwent successful surgery in Innsbruck by Prof Christian Fink and Dr Andy Williams from London on Thursday evening.

"During the operation, a tendon was reattached to the head of his right fibula. The Bayern forward will therefore no longer be available to play for Senegal at the World Cup and will begin his rehab in Munich in the next few days."

I think this game will be the hardest in the group stage, but the Clockwork Orange will be a bit more confident on the ball with Frenkie De Jong and more clinical going forward with Cody Gakpo and Steven Bergwijn. 

My prediction is 2-0 to the Netherlands to kick off the tournament in a positive way.