The Netherlands take flight at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a tough Group A matchup against Senegal.Group A is typically the most chaotic due to the presence of the host nation, which means the Netherlands are the favorites to advance despite being drawn from Pot 2 back in April.They match up against Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal, who boast a strong defensive unit but are mi sing their best attacking player.Starting the World Cup with a positive result is critical to a team's prospects moving forward, so which side will emerge with an eye on the knockout stage?MORE: The Netherlands, understandably, are Brendan Perlini Jersey the heavy favorites here, boasting a wealth of European talent.While Senegal emerged as continental champions back in February, they are still facing an uphill battle. No African teams made the knockout stage in the 2018 World Cup, and as such, they'll be considered underdogs here despite their succe s back home.Additionally, it is expected to be tough on goalscorers, with the under favored and the over sitting on plus odds.SkyBetLadbrokesNetherlands win-1651.504/74/7Draw+2804.0514/527/10Senegal win+5006.1221/411/2Both teamsto score Y / N+110 / -1552.06 / 1.6011/10, 4/623/20, 8/13Over / Under2.5 goals+105 / -1452.08 / 1.6711/10, 4/623/20, 4/6Netherlands -0.5-1851.57Senegal +0.5+1302.30 Netherlands Bobby Hull Jersey vs. Senegal team newsThe biggest red flag in this game is the knowledge that Senegal starSadio Manewill not play, having suffered a right leg injury with Bayern Munich. It was announced on November 17 that, despite his best efforts to recover, he Glenn Hall Jersey will be unable to play at this tournament.It seemed Netherlands have a mostly clean bill of health, only mi singGeorginio Wijnaldumwho suffered a broken leg early in the club season. However, manager Louis van Gaal dropped a bomb in his pre-match pre s conference stating that strikerMemphis Depaywould mi s the match.Denzel Dumfriessustained a knock before the clubs broke for the World Cup but should be ready to go, as he himself called it "not even a worry".Senegal vs. Netherlands key statsThe last time Senegal conceded multiple goals to an opposing team was a 2-2 draw with Madagascar in AFCON qualification on September 9, Marian Hossa Jersey 2018.Netherlands have not lost since June 27, 2021, a run of 15 matches unbeaten.This will be the first-ever meeting between Netherlands and Senegal.Senegal vs. Netherlands match factsDate:Monday, November 21Kickoff Time:11:00 am ET / 4:00 pm GMT / 3:00 am AEDT (Tue, Nov. 22)Location:Al Thumama StadiumOfficial:Wilton Sampaio (Brazil) Moneyline lean:Netherlands (-165)Against the spread lean:Netherlands -0.5 (-185)Score prediction:Netherlands 2-0SenegalThe Netherlands should have too much firepower in this match, overwhelming the Senegal defense. On the flip side, without Sadio Mane, there will be no way forward for Senegal against an underrated Dutch defensive unit.MORE: Starting out the World Cup on the right foot will be critical, and that will Adam Boqvist Jersey be on the forefront of the minds of all players on the field atAl Thumama Stadium on Monday.Senegal vs. Netherlands best betPick: Netherlands to win to nilOdds:+138 ( )While the Netherlands attackers are the standout stars of the squad, with Memphis Depay (injured for this match), Cody Gakpo, and Steven Bergwijn earning plaudits, the Dutch defense is excellent as well.Without Sadio Mane, there will be no way through for Senegal against the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, and Matthijs de Ligt, whoever Aliou Ci se wishes to deploy. The Dutch will control this game from start to finish, and it will be tough to see Senegal finding a way through.