Verdict: Portugal draw no bet
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to claim a first-leg advantage on Thursday night, Portugal will travel to Copenhagen when they get their Nations League quarter-final adventure underway.
Denmark
Starting with the hosts, while Denmark might have dragged themselves to a Nations League knockout stage ticket last year, it is fair to say that the Danish Dynamite limped their way over the finishing line. Despite appointing new boss Brian Riemer back in October, the former Brentford manager has failed to offer any immediate stability. Signing off their group stage campaign with a toothless 0-0 stalemate away at Serbia on November 18th, Denmark failed to muster a single win from any of their final four League A appearances. Likewise, failing to put a single victory on the board from any of their four showdowns at EURO 24, Thursday’s hosts will be bracing themselves for another stern examination here. In fact, Riemer’s men have registered just a pair of wins from any of their previous 10 matchups across all competitions.
Denmark Team News
Drawing a line under his public Premier League drought last weekend, Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has been included in Riemer’s squad. However, dealing with a recent knee issue and not featuring over the past month, Anderlecht marksman Kasper Dolberg will not feature in Copenhagen.
Although Christian Eriksen might have failed to tie down a regular first-team spot since Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Man United, the former Tottenham star should earn a 141st international cap. Despite turning 38 back in November, veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will keep his spot between the sticks.
Portugal
As for the visitors, although Portugal might have suffered real quarter-final heartbreak at EURO 24 last summer, the Navigators have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Unbeaten in all of their six Nations League group stage appearances and breezing their way to a knockout stage ticket, Roberto Martinez’s men have gained plenty of plaudits from across the continent. With some billing Portugal as a leading title contender this year, the former Belgium boss could be smelling the chance to claim a first-leg advantage on foreign soil. It should be noted, continuing on from their maiden Nations League campaign back in 2018, the Navigators have suffered just a sole defeat from any of their 16 showdowns on the road.
Portugal Team News
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal out in Copenhagen on Thursday night and earn a history-making 218th International cap. While Joao Felix might have failed to find any real stability since arriving at AC Milan on a loan switch from Chelsea, the 25-year-old has been included in Martinez’s squad.
However, former Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo has been omitted and will not play any part this month. Enjoying what has been a recent purple patch at Old Trafford, the red-hot Bruno Fernandes will return after missing November’s international break.
Denmark vs Portugal Key Factors to Consider
- When Denmark and Portugal last met back in October 2015, the Navigators picked up a 1-0 victory on home soil.
- Despite their EURO 24 exit last summer, Portugal have not lost any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
- Denmark have claimed just a pair of wins from any of their last 10 matchups across all formats.
- Continuing on from the inaugural tournament in 2018, Portugal have suffered just a single Nations League defeat on foreign soil.
- Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo notched five goals in as many group stage appearances last year.
Conclusion
Unbeaten in all of their six group stage appearances last year and enjoying what was a real flurry, Portugal find themselves pencilled in as a genuine Nations League contender this year. Looking to claim a first-leg advantage when they travel to Copenhagen on Thursday night, the European giants could be smelling the chance to lay down an early marker on foreign soil. Meeting a Denmark squad that have continued to show some worrying inconstancies over recent times, we are backing an away draw no bet in midweek.
Verdict: Portugal draw no bet
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Luckster
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