Prediction: Denmark vs Spain

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 79/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Spain head into their UEFA Nations League match with Denmark on Friday, seeking to secure top spot in Group 4 of League A. Although Spain have already secured a place in the quarterfinals, their position at the top is still unconfirmed.

Meanwhile, Denmark, also vying for a spot in the final eight, has two games remaining to cement their qualification. With both teams still motivated and Denmark benefiting from home advantage, it promises to be a competitive and high-stakes encounter in Copenhagen.

Denmark

Denmark sit second in Group 4 of League A with seven points from four matches, just three points behind Spain and three ahead of Serbia. They kicked off their campaign with wins over Switzerland and Serbia but were edged out 1-0 by Spain before a 2-2 draw against Switzerland.

A positive result in the rematch against the reigning European champions would solidify their top-two standing, though setbacks in the final two games could jeopardize their qualification.

This match marks Brian Riemer’s debut as Denmark’s manager, following his appointment on October 24 after his time with Anderlecht. Denmark has struggled historically against Spain, with only two wins in 17 meetings – their last victory a narrow 1-0 in World Cup qualifying in 1993.

Team News

Riemer faces several important lineup choices for the clash with Spain, particularly in the attack. Rasmus Hojlund, despite netting only twice for Manchester United this season, is expected to lead the front line given his impressive seven goals in 20 appearances for Denmark, covering for Kasper Dolberg and Yussuf Poulsen.

Christian Eriksen, recently returned from injury, should start in midfield, while young Patrick Dorgu may earn his fourth cap as a left wing-back. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is likely to partner Morten Hjulmand centrally, and Joachim Andersen, in strong form at Fulham, is expected to slot into the back three.

Spain

Spain come into this match in strong form, having won seven and drawn one of their last eight meetings with Denmark, including a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture last month, where Martin Zubimendi’s goal in the 79th minute secured the win.

Luis de la Fuente’s team sits atop Group 4 of League A with 10 points from three wins and one draw, already qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals. A draw on Friday would ensure top spot, but a loss could open up the group, particularly if Serbia beats Switzerland on the same night.

Reigning Nations League champions, Spain are also the current Euro 2024 holders. They have not lost a competitive match since a Euro 2024 qualifier defeat to Scotland in March 2023, and remain unbeaten across all competitions since a friendly against Colombia that same month.

Team News

Spain will be without several key players for their match against Denmark, including Pau Torres due to a muscular issue, and notable absentees such as Unai Simon, Pau Cubarsi, Dani Carvajal, Rodri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal.

Alvaro Morata, who had been a doubt due to a head injury sustained during training with AC Milan, is expected to start and will aim to add to his 37 international goals. Nico Williams and Dani Olmo are also in line to feature in the attacking third, while Pedro Porro is set to play at right-back.

At left-back, Alex Grimaldo and Marc Cucurella are competing for the starting role, while Aitor Paredes, Marc Casado, and Samu Omorodion will be hoping for their first appearances with the national team.

Conclusion

This match is indeed difficult to predict, particularly with Spain missing key players. Denmark, with their fresh leadership and home advantage, could very well cause an upset.

However, Spain’s attacking quality, even with the absences, is still formidable, and under Luis de la Fuente, they are well-equipped to handle the challenge. Given their strong track record and the stakes of securing top spot in the group, Spain should be able to secure a narrow victory and move one step closer to finishing first in Group 4.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 79/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet