Memphis Depay is expected to be recalled to the starting line-up as the Netherlands look to secure qualification for the knock-out stages of of the World Cup against Qatar.

Coach Louis van Gaal is also likely to select Marten de Roon on the right side of midfield after Steven Berghuis and Teun Koopmeiners failed to convince in the role, football website Voetbal International reported.

Oranje only need a point from the match to reach the last 16 and will finish top of the group if they win, unless Ecuador defeat Senegal by a bigger margin. They will then face a team from Group B, which comprises England, the United States, Iran and Wales.

Van Gaal told a press conference on Monday that he was not underestimating the host nation, even after Qatar became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament following defeats in its opening two matches.

‘My feeling is that every match at this World Cup is a difficult one, and obviously that goes for Qatar as well,’ Van Gaal said. ‘They play a 5-3-2 system, so it’ll be a game of chess. It’s not always pretty to watch, but it’s a way to make progress.’

The coach has been protecting the fitness of Depay, who missed two months of action before the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury in September. The Barcelona forward played 30 minutes of the opening game against Senegal and came on for the second half against Ecuador.

Gakpo forward

Cody Gakpo, who has scored in both games, could be pushed forward to play alongside Depay up front, with Davy Klaassen connecting the forward line with the midfield duo of De Roon and Frenkie de Jong. There is also speculation that PSV’s 19-year-old winger Xavi Simons could be introduced into the action for what would be his first cap.

Van Gaal is likely to retain Jurriën Timber in defence alongside Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Aké, with Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries again operating as wing-backs.

The coach conceded that his team had not managed to put their first two opponents under pressure, but said the players were capable of stepping up a gear.

‘If everyone in the team maintains the form they’re used to showing, then we can do it, but if too many players play below their level then we can’t put that right on the pitch,’ he said.

De Jong shared Van Gaal’s view of the team’s shortcomings in the opening games. ‘Against Ecuador we weren’t good enough on the ball,’ he said. ‘I think we created the space, but we didn’t see the runs well enough or how we could release the spare man.

‘Usually we’re good at that, but as the coach said, we made too many technical mistakes for this level.’