Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal is expected to name a strong lineup for his side's 2022-23 UEFA Nations League opener against Belgium on Friday night.

Mark Flekken, who plays his club football for Freiburg, started the friendlies with Denmark and Germany back in March and could be given the nod between the sticks here.

A back three should include Matthijs de Ligt and Virgil van Dijk, while Nathan Ake is also expected to feature in a defensive position for the away team.

Jurrien Timber is also pushing for a start, with the defender, who enjoyed an impressive campaign at Ajax, currently being strongly linked with a switch to Manchester United.

Frenkie de Jong is also being heavily linked with Man United and should start, with the midfielder recently revealing a desire to remain at Barcelona.

Steven Berghuis and Teun Koopmeiners are both expected to feature in the middle of midfield, while Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind could play in the wing-back positions.

Memphis Depay is comfortably the leading goalscorer in the Holland squad with 39 goals, and the Barcelona forward is a certain starter once again.

Wout Weghost is also pushing for a spot in attack, while Steven Bergwijn, Vincent Janssen, Noa Lang and Cody Gakpo are also options in the final third of the field.

Netherlands possible starting lineup: Flekken; De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, Berghuis, Koopmeiners, F de Jong, Blind; Weghorst, Memphis

Written by
Matt Law