Louis van Gaal is set to name a strong starting lineup for his first game back in charge of the Netherlands, who travel to Norway on Wednesday for the fourth game of their World Cup Qualifying campaign in Group G.
The 70-year-old – who is taking the reins of the Dutch national side for the third time – has named a similar squad to the one that participated at Euro 2020.
A 3-5-2 formation, used by his predecessor Frank De Boer, was a system famously adopted by Van Gaal at the 2014 World Cup, and this set-up is set to be deployed once again by the new boss.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk missed out at this summer's Euros through injury, but he is back in the squad this time around and is expected to captain the side at the heart of the defence alongside Matthijs De Ligt and Stefan De Vrij.
Van Dijk's inclusion could see Daley Blind switch from a central defensive role to left wing-back, replacing Patrick Van Aanholt, who is not with the Dutch camp despite starting every game at Euro 2020.
Tim Krul is the only goalkeeper selected in Van Gaal's 25-man squad who has played for the national team before, with both Justin Bijlow and Joel Drommel yet to receive their first cap. The Norwich City stopper is expected to start between the sticks on Wednesday.
Central midfielders Frenkie De Jong, Georginio Wijnaldum and Marten de Roon are the three most likely candidates to play in the middle of the pitch, though the likes of Davy Klaassen and Ryan Gravenberch could make an impact off the bench.
Barcelona forward Memphis Depay – who has contributed to three goals in as many league matches for his new club since arriving this summer – is set to start in attack alongside either Donyell Malen or Wout Weghorst, with the latter expected to get the nod.
Netherlands possible starting lineup: Krul; De Vrij, Van Dijk, De Ligt; Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Wijnaldum, Blind; Weghorst; Depay
