Netherlands-Chile Preview: Group B qualifiers battle for top spot

Louis van Gaal. Photo: Getty Images

With both teams having already qualified for the knockout stages, there have been questions asked about whether the respective coaches will be tempted by the possibility of rotation. But Louis van Gaal and Jorge Sampaoli are likely to name their best available line-ups in the bid to avoid Brazil in the next round, Kris Voakes writes in goal.com

Van Gaal is forced into at least two changes due to the suspension of Robin van Persie following successive yellow cards and the heavy concussion to Bruno Martins Indi which has seen the Feyenoord defender sit out training in recent days. The 22-year-old trained on an exercise bike on Friday, but is unlikely to be rushed given the Dutch’s qualification is already secured.

Jorge Sampaoli. Photo: Getty Images

While Memphis Depay is highly likely to start in Van Persie’s absence, Van Gaal has more than one option when it comes to replacing Martins Indi. A switch to 4-3-3 could see Klaas-Jan Huntelaar start, but persistence with a back three will open the door to one of Joel Veltman and Terence Kongolo.

Sampaoli may be left sweating over the fitness of key duo Arturo Vidal and Charles Aranguiz. Both missed training on Friday, with Carlos Carmona on standby to take one of the spots that may become available.