Prediction: Denmark vs Wales

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The World Cup is in the rear view mirror and as such, preparations can now begin for UEFA Euro 2020. It’s a tournament that will allow the best of the best from Europe to showcase what they’ve got in their locker, with Denmark and Wales being two sides that’ll be desperate to progress through qualifying. Although one qualified for the World Cup this past summer and the other didn’t, they’re slightly more evenly matched that many probably would’ve originally thought.

Denmark

The Danes didn’t exactly play great football throughout the course of their time in Russia, but for the most part, they got results. They’re exceptionally tricky to break down and that can make for a frustrating game for their opposition, but the question remains as to whether or not they’re capable of producing the goods up front. They have Eriksen, but beyond that, there isn’t all too much quality in their ranks – so they’ll need to rely on their grit and determination to get ahead of the Welsh.

Team News

A dispute with the FA left Denmark with a series of amateurs and semi-professionals playing against Slovakia, but the issue has now been resolved and their main stars will be returning to play in this game.

Wales

After spending years on the outside of international tournaments looking in, Wales’ passage into UEFA Euro 2016 served as a sign that they’re ‘back from the brink’ so to speak. Gareth Bale is their main talisman and will be for many more years to come, but now, it’s all about getting Ryan Giggs settled into his role as manager. The former Manchester United star got off to a good start against Ireland, but finding that consistency is arguably going to be the trickiest thing of all when they come up against some of the top sides from around both Europe and the world.

Team News

Ryan Giggs will likely keep many of the same players in the starting XI, with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey likely leading the way for the Euro 2016 semi-finalists.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Ceres Park.
• Denmark reached the Round of 16 at the World Cup before being eliminated by Croatia.
• Wales failed to reach the World Cup, but they did beat Ireland 4-1 last night.
• Denmark & Wales are locked at 4-4 in the overall head to head standings.
• In their last meeting back in November 2008, Denmark won 1-0.

Conclusion

The Danes will be aiming to make a statement after the dispute with the FA, and particularly after their disappointing exit from the World Cup this past summer. They’re a tough team to play against but they don’t have the experience of having played as a unit earlier in the week, which could give the Welsh the edge. In our mind though, this’ll be something of a stalemate with both teams frustrating one another without being able to find a route to goal – and that’ll lead to a 0-0 draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: bet365