<p>The Netherlands travel to Kaunas for a <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/world-cup">FIFA World Cup qualifier</a> against a Lithuanian side facing a daunting task. The match is set for Sunday, September 7, at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium, with a kick-off time of 2:00 AM AEST on Monday morning.</p> <p>While the Dutch aim to continue their perfect start to the campaign, Lithuania will be hoping to produce a miracle in the face of overwhelming odds.</p> <p>Lithuania enters this crucial qualifier in the midst of a severe injury crisis that has crippled the squad. Head coach Edgaras Jankauskas is without a host of key players, including Manfredas Ruzgis, Vykintas Slivka, and Kipras Kažukolovas, due to various injuries.</p> <p>To compound matters, long-serving captain Fedor Černych has also stepped aside for this international window, leaving a significant leadership void.</p> <p>This string of absences could not have come at a worse time. The team is already on a dismal run of form, having failed to win any of their last eleven matches.</p> <p>Jankauskas has also voiced concerns over the lack of regular playing time for many of his available squad members at their respective clubs.</p> <p>Facing the 7th-ranked team in the world, Lithuania’s primary objective will be to maintain a disciplined defensive shape and somehow frustrate their star-studded opponents.</p> <h2>Netherlands’ Ruthless Form and Depth</h2> <p>The Netherlands arrive in Lithuania as one of Europe’s most in-form national teams. Following a strong run to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, Ronald Koeman’s side has started their World Cup qualification campaign in blistering fashion, winning their opening matches with an aggregate score of 10-0.</p> <p>Their quality and depth are formidable, a fact highlighted by Koeman’s decision to leave Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners out of the matchday squad for their prior qualifier as a purely "technical choice."</p> <p>The Dutch squad is brimming with top-tier talent from across Europe's elite leagues. They play with a confidence and tactical intelligence that few teams can match.</p> <p>Against a severely weakened Lithuanian side, the Netherlands will expect to dominate possession entirely, using their technical superiority to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities. This match is a chance for them to not only secure three points but also significantly boost their goal difference.</p> <h2>Prediction: A One-Sided Affair</h2> <p>The gulf in class, form, and available personnel between these two nations is immense. It’s difficult to see any outcome other than <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/world-cup/fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-europe/lithuania-v-netherlands-9587660">a comfortable victory for the Netherlands</a>. Lithuania’s injury woes and lack of firepower make even a consolation goal seem highly unlikely, while the Dutch possess the attacking weapons to score freely.</p> <p>The central question for this match is not about the winner, but about the margin of victory. An early goal for the Netherlands could open the floodgates and lead to a rout.</p> <p>From a betting perspective, all signs point to a high-scoring game and a clean sheet for the visitors.</p> <p>The only hope for Lithuania is to defend with immense discipline and hope for a rare off-night from the Dutch attack, but even a resilient performance is unlikely to prevent a multi-goal defeat. Expect the Netherlands to control the game from start to finish and potentially add late goals as the hosts tire.</p>