Senegal vs Netherlands Predictions: World Cup Group Stage Odds & Best Bets

The two favorites in Group A start off their tournament with a pivotal clash that could have major ramifications on which teams advance here. It can be difficult to recover from an opening loss, especially with only two more fixtures after this one.

Netherlands turned in an impressive performance during UEFA World Cup qualifying. They had a +25 goal differential and finished with 23 points in 10 matches. They're a talented team that includes players like Frenkie de Jong and Virgil van Dijk.

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Senegal checks all of the boxes in what you look for in a potential surprise team. They dominated throughout CAF qualifying and captured the African Cup. They also have the starpower with Sadio Mané up front.

This team could cause problems.

Let's take a look at the best bets for Senegal and Netherlands in this World Cup Group A match.

Senegal vs Netherlands Odds

• 3-way handicap: Senegal (+450) | Draw (+250) | Netherlands (-143)
• Draw No Bet: Senegal (+280) | Netherlands (-435)
• Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (+100) | Under 2.5 (-141)

Senegal vs Netherlands odds are current as of 10 a.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 16 at BetMGM Sportsbook.

While I expected Netherlands to come in as favorites in this match, I think that the odds are a bit inflated here. Senegal have the pieces in place to give the Oranje a real challenge here.

The Under is juiced up at -141 odds, which doesn't make much sense considering how Netherlands can score goals at such a high rate. There's value on the Over in this spot.

Senegal vs Netherlands Preview

Senegal lines up in a 4-3-3 formation under manager Aliou Cissé, allowing their wingers to make an impact on the flank. Mané is joined by Ismaïla Sarr on the wing, who plays for Watford in the English Premier League. They also have notable names in the midfield, like Idrissa Gueye, on defense, with Kalidou Koulibaly, and in goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

Netherlands also play in a 4-3-3 with Louis van Gaal at the helm. They're stacked at each level of the pitch. We mentioned De Jong and Van Dijk, but there are others like Memphis Depay, Steven Bergwijn, and many more.

The Dutch are always a threat to light up the scoresheet, but they've become labeled as that squad that often fails to meet expectations.

Senegal vs Netherlands Betting Tips

The key here is for Senegal to slow down this high-powered attack from the Oranje. Netherlands have scored a combined 32 goals in their last 10 matches. This includes an impressive 1-4 win over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.

The good news for the Lions of Teranga is that they have some capable defenders, like Koulibaly, who has recently moved to Chelsea. He'll have to come in at top form to help Senegal get that desired result in this match.

Senegal vs Netherlands Prediction

Senegal 1-2 Netherlands

While I love Senegal as a surprise team, it's tough to predict anything other than a Netherlands win with the form they've shown in recent matches.

Netherlands is looking to bounce back after failing to qualify for the last World Cup. This came after finishing third in the previous one. They have the ability to go deep in the tournament with this roster and current form.

Senegal vs Netherlands Best Bets

We're projecting that Senegal will hold their own here, but ultimately fall short in a high-scoring match.

➕ Over 2.5 Total Goals (+100) at BetMGM Sportsbook

WAGER: 1 Unit

Netherlands simply has too much firepower to not take the Over at plus-money here. They have averaged 3.2 goals per game in their last 10 matches.

Senegal has talent up front with Mane, so they can grab a goal, as well. We'll ride with the Over.

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➕ Both Teams to Score: Yes (-102) at BetMGM Sportsbook

WAGER: 1 Unit

All we need here is for Senegal to score, as it's hard to envision a scenario where Netherlands is held to a clean sheet. It helps that we get -102 odds here, which is some nice value.

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