Poland vs Holland: preview and predicted line-up

Image via @LaczyNasPilka on Twitter

Poland play Holland tonight at Stadion Narodowy in Warszawa, in what looks set to be something of a key match for the hosts. 

Judging from what I’ve read of the Dutch press, and indeed reading between the lines of coach Ronald Koeman’s words as well, the visitors appear happy to settle for a draw. 

Part of me thinks this is largely due to the fact that Poland earned a slightly unexpected draw in the return leg in Rotterdam two months ago, in what was a very promising showing from then debuting Selekcjoner Jan Urban.

Indeed, that first game has set a very high bar for Urban’s Poland, but so far they have largely lived up to expectations. Tonight will be another opportunity to prove what would still be a relative upset were Poland to pull it off. 

That being said, there are the obvious issues around injuries and suspensions, but this is something we don’t need to go over again. Rather, it is best to reveal what is the rumoured line-up for this evening. 

In many ways the team picks itself, save for the rather contentious decision to put Nicola Zalewski in a more central role. Sure, he is capable of playing there and has done before at club level, but not for a long time now. Defensively, thanks to injury and suspension, there will be concern over how well the still potent Dutch attack could be handled. This is before we consider that the Dutch are likely to pack their midfield in order to outnumber their opponent. 

Nevetheless, Poland will clearly be looking for a strong, technical performance judging from this predicted line-up. It’s a concern that there is not much of an alternative plan on the bench should this not work, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we saw either Kacper Kozłowski, Bartosz Kapustka or Filip Rózga introduced at some point. In my opinion, it is good to see Jan Urban has come to a different conclusion with solving the problems Poland are facing than we all initially thought he might. 

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