BOTH Netherlands and Ecuador will be targeting back-to-back wins in World Cup Group A when the pair face off at the Khalifa International Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The Dutch put in a laboured performance against Senegal in their section opener but they came out on top thanks to a pair of late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen.
That victory means the Oranje have now avoided defeat in each of their 16 matches under coach Louis van Gaal's latest stint in charge of the national team.
With the Netherlands sitting at the top of the group, they will know that earning a win over Ecuador on Friday would all but secure a place in the round of 16 with a game to spare.
Ecuador well and truly played the role of party poopers on Sunday as they secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over host nation Qatar.
In doing so, Gustavo Alfaro's side have given themselves a real shout at getting out of the group, although this will represent their toughest test in their quest to qualify.
Outright Betting
Netherlands, who have won each of their last four matches, head into this game as 4/5 favourites with William Hill.
The last time these two nations squared off the shares were spoiled but the same outcome here is an unfancied 5/2 (Highbet) while a La Tri triumph is trading at 18/5 (Highbet).
Betting Angles
Given the gulf in quality between these two sides I was pleasantly surprised to see Netherlands chalked up as 4/5 (William Hill ) shots here so I'm more than happy to back the Dutch to prevail at that price.
As already mentioned, the Netherlands are in the midst of a 16-game unbeaten run, an impressive sequence that stretches all the way to their Euro 2020 defeat against Czech Republic.
Not only did the Oranje enjoy an excellent build up to Qatar, but they also hit the ground running with their aforementioned 2-0 success over Senegal.
Granted, the Dutch were solid rather than spectacular last time out, but I suspect their superior class will tell again when they come against an Ecuador team who could be without Matchday One goal-scoring hero Enner Valencia.
While the South Americans are a hard-working and well-organised outfit who never go down without a fight, their opening victory over Qatar is their only victory across their last five competitive contests.
With all things considered, there's plenty of evidence to suggest that the Netherlands have a stronger chance of emerging victorious than 4/5 (William Hill) odds imply.
Team news permitting, I'll also dip into the anytime goalscorer market and take the 8/5 (Highbet) on Netherlands forward Memphis Depay making the net bulge.
The Barcelona forward was the 12-goal top scorer in World Cup qualifying and he is also on penalties which is always an added incentive given the spot kick count in Qatar thus far.
This World Cup match between Netherlands and Ecuador will be played on Nov 25, 2022 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Netherlands vs Ecuador prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
