Women's World Cup Group E predictions: Dutch bidding for some revenge

Reigning champions USA are the favourites going into the 2023 Women's World Cup and it's the Stars and Stripes who will be the team to beat in Group E.

The presence of 2019 runners-up, the Netherlands, means that it might not be so straight forward for USA  to top the group but it does make it tough for both Portugal and Vietnam to reach the knockout stages.

Netherlands to lay down group challenge

The Netherlands are considered 20/1 outsiders with LiveScore Bet to go all the way and get their hands on the World Cup after finishing as runners-up to the USA in France four years ago.

It was heartbreak for the Dutch in Lyon, as second-half goals from Megan Rapinoe and Rosemary Lavelle handed the Americans victory at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

The Netherlands might well be looking to use the disappointment of that defeat as motivation for the World Cup to come in Australia and New Zealand.

All their Group E games will be taking place in New Zealand, with the Netherlands hoping to reach the first knockout game in Australia.

The Dutch open the tournament with a very winnable clash against Portugal before the big one against the USA in Wellington, which is likely to determine the group winners, while their opening-round finale comes against Vietnam in Dunedin.

Portugal need to make fast start

Portugal have a job on their hands to reach the knockout stages considering the strength of both the USA and the Netherlands.

Down in 29th in the FIFA rankings, Portugal are outsiders at 6/1 with LiveScore Bet to finish in the top two in Group E.

Their hopes of progression hinge on a critical opener in a tough clash against the Dutch in Dunedin, before a must-win encounter with Vietnam in Hamilton, considering their final game is against the USA in Auckland.

USA strong and worthy favourites

Pre-tournament favourites USA, priced at 5/2 with LiveScore Bet to defend their crown, will take some stopping to be denied top spot in Group E.

The USA are eased into the competition with a game against minnows Vietnam before their showdown with the Dutch will likely decide who tops the group.

Portugal ought to be no match for the Americans but the USA may have already secured top spot in the group by then, and could take their foot off the gas at Eden Park.

Vietnam hoping to learn from debut experience

Lying down in 32nd place in the FIFA rankings, little is expected of Vietnam in this extremely tough group for the Asian outfit.

It is hard to see the Vietnamese coming away from New Zealand with a win but if they are to get a victory, they will be targeting that middle game against the Portuguese in what looks set to be the wooden spoon decider.

Group E best bet - Dutch value to finish top

The Netherlands will be hoping they can catch the USA cold in this early stage of the tournament and finish top of Group E.

A potential walk in the park against Vietnam could leave the USA slightly undercooked and the Dutch might be able to take advantage with victory in their clash against the Americans in Wellington.

The Netherlands to finish top of Group E is available at 5/2 with LiveScore Bet.

Group E long shots - Alex Morgan top goalscorer

Considering the USA should win comfortably against Vietnam and Portugal, the defending champions could well rack up the goals in Group E.

This would have a big impact on the World Cup's top goalscorer market in which the USA's Alex Morgan is the front-runner to finish top of the standings.

At 4/1 with LiveScore Bet, Morgan is well worth considering to finish as the top goalscorer, considering the level of opposition the USA face in Group E.