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Preview: Group B - Netherlands vs. Denmark

Preview: Group B - Netherlands vs. Denmark
© PA Photos
The Netherlands and Denmark kick off Group B of the European Championships tomorrow with a head-to-head battle in Ukraine.

Euro 2012's Group B kicks off on Saturday with the Netherlands and Denmark due to face off at the Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The Dutch side, who are one of the favourites to win the entire tournament, were in scintillating form during the qualifying stages of the competition, netting 37 goals in total.

Arsenal's Robin van Persie is likely to start up front in place of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, despite the striker's 12 goals in the qualifying phase. It is expected that Van Persie's prolific form in front of goal for the Gunners this season has earned him the top spot.

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk could opt for experience in defence by implementing Wilfred Bouma in the back four over Ron Vlaar, while Everton's John Heitinga should get the nod in central defence.

Meanwhile, Denmark coach Morten Olsen has a relatively full squad to choose from with another Arsenal player set to feature in the form of Nicklas Bendtner up front, while Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen is expected to provide service to the 24-year-old.

The Netherlands' last campaign in a major tournament took them all the way to the World Cup final - ending in defeat to Spain - but the Oranje will be hoping to bring that same ambition to the competition.

Denmark, who were crowned European Champions in 1992, will try to draw on their ability to complete quick combination play and counter-attacking football to clinch three points in the group.

Current form:

Netherlands: DLWLWW
Denmark: WWWLLW

Possible lineups:

Netherlands: Stekelenburg; Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Bouma, Willems; De Jong, Van Bommel; Robben, Sneijder, Afellay; Van Persie

Denmark: Andersen; Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, S Poulsen; Zimling, Kvist; Rommedahl, Eriksen, Krohn-Dehli; Bendtner

Sports Mole says: 3-1

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A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
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