Prediction: Slovakia vs Denmark

Verdict: Asian Handicap, Slovakia -2

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: BetVictor

Slovakia and Denmark lock horns in a friendly international which was supposed to act as a warm-up for both countries’ upcoming UEFA Nations League matches next Sunday. The atmosphere around the match at City Arena in Trnava changed dramatically due to off-field issues between the Danish national selection and the nation’s FA which at one point had the entire fixture at risk.

Slovakia

Having last played a competitive game back in June, Slovakia are raring to go and will be brimming with confidence ahead of their clash with Denmark – a ‘dress rehearsal’ ahead of the UEFA Nations League kick-off. Slovakia have been slotted in Group 1 of the League B and will start the UEFA Nations League campaign on Sunday in Ukraine. The Czech Republic is another team in the same group.

Jan Kozak’s side did not take part in the World Cup in Russia and will be keen to bounce back from a disappointing series of results earlier this year. Slovaks suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Morocco last time out, whereas their last win came in March – against Thailand. Slovakia boasts a competitive squad with several notable players, such as Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar and former Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel, among others. Slovakia is not expected to spare any punches despite the problems Denmark faces ahead of the forthcoming clash and will be considered firm favourites to claim a victory.

Team News

Robert Mazan and Stanislav Lobotka joined the rest of the Slovakia team later than expected and could be rested for the forthcoming match.

Hertha Berlin defender Peter Pekarik is experiencing some health issues and will not be able to take part in the game.

Denmark

In an unexpected turn of events ahead of the UEFA Nations League matches, Denmark is facing rather uncertain times in term of the country’s national team. Danes are coming off from a busy summer which saw them take part in this year’s edition of the World Cup. Denmark was eliminated on penalties in the Round of Last 16 at the hands of Croatia and was supposed to start fresh with the new cycle.

Heading into the UEFA Nations League, however, international careers of a number of first-team stars are in doubt after the Danish Football Association (DBU) rejected the players’ proposal to temporarily extend a deal on commercial rights. As a result, the players refused to sign a new deal on Sunday evening, thus missing the deadline imposed by the FA and finding themselves in a predicament. The Players’ Union and the DBU have been locked in negotiations for months now as DBU attempted to find a new commercial arrangement to raise more funds for community projects but the players refused to pen the deal due to personal sponsorship deals. In return, DBU turned to lower domestic leagues and futsal players for upcoming matches against Slovakia and Wales.

Team News

Denmark manager Age Hareide is likely to go for the Danish Superligen players, while the most recent information coming from Denmark confirms that it is the Danish futsal team that will play the next two fixtures of the football national team.

Key Factors to Consider

• Slovakia last played in June, losing to Morocco 2-1
• Slovaks last won a game in March 2018, beating Thailand 3-2
• The hosts lost only 1 of their last 10 matches at home
• Denmark could be without an entire team due to sponsorship dispute
• Coach Age Hareide is likely to play a Danish futsal national selection

Conclusion

With their preparations ahead of the Slovakia game and the UEFA Nations League scuppered, Denmark travel to Slovakia as massive underdogs. Danes are set to name a severely weakened squad – consisting of futsal players – which is not expected to be a match for Slovakia.

Verdict: Asian Handicap, Slovakia -2

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: BetVictor