World Cup 2010: Holland v Denmark – Group E

Rampant Holland will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to nineteen games when they take on Denmark in Johannesburg tomorrow night in the opening Group E fixture.

The impressive Dutch side qualified with ease, winning all eight of their group matches while scoring 17 goals and conceding only two. They have continued this rich vein of form in their warm-up matches leading up to the finals, their last five results as follows; 0-0 draw away to Italy, 2-1 wins over USA & Mexico, an impressive 4-1 win over Ghana and a demolition of Hungary 6-1 prior to travelling to South Africa.

What is interesting to note is that they have scored 14 goals in their last four matches, and so a dabble on the Over 2.5 will be well worth a shot. When you look at their squad they also possess the necessary armoury to fulfil the goals quota;  looking at their defence first, the veteran Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be looking to break the 100 caps during this cup, and he’s expected to be joined at the back with John Heitinger (Everton) & Andre Ooijer. In midfield, there is a riches of talent with Rafael Van der Vaart, Nigel de Jong (Man City), Wesley Sneijder & Mark Van Bommel who are all capable of unlocking defences. In attack, there’s the likes of Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) and Klaas Jan-Huntelaar. Ryan Babel (Liverpool) may well have to re-acquaint himself with the bench again, along with Arjen Robben who is quickly returning to fitness.

Denmark qualified for the finals following an impressive run of form, topping a group that included Portugal and Sweden. Indeed, they only lost one match (0-1 to Hungary), but qualification had already been secured. They scored 16 goals and conceded just five – but since then their form has dipped, winning just one of their last four matches leading up to the finals; 1-2 loss to Austria, a 2-0 win over Senegal, followed by 0-1 losses to Australia and South Africa respectively.

Looking at their squad, it seems they have set their stall out to contain and hit on the break – first choice keeper Thomas Sorensen (Stoke City) kept 5 clean sheets in seven qualifying matches, and has declared himself 100% fit. Defenders Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn) & Daniel Agger (Liverpool) should figure at the back.

It’s likely the Danes will pack their midfield as no fewer than 12 midfielders have been named in their 23-man squad! Among them, former Chelsea man Jesper Gronkjaer will be hoping for a start, along with Christian Poulsen, veteran Martin Jorgensen and winger Dennis Rommedahl who played in all of their qualifying matches.

Attack looks a little light by comparison, with Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal), Soren Larsen and Jon Dahl Tomasson as the out-and-out strikers. I fancy a 4-5-1 formation against Holland here.

The Dutch though look to be too strong, particularly in attack, and there may well be some goals on show as a result.

Main pick: Holland @ 1.55 with Betclic

Side pick: Take Over 2.5 @ a generous 2.20 with Bet365