Denmark to edge past Republic of Ireland
A historically very low scoring fixture will follow suit, but Denmark will beat Ireland who are currently top of Group D and build on the momentum they have after their mesmerising comeback from 3-0 down away to Switzerland last time out. Age Hareide’s side have an incredible recent home record that I expect to continue with them narrowly getting past a steely dogged Irish team. It cannot be ignored the effect that the intensity of the English football leagues will have on the players physically come early June.
Recent form
Denmark are unbeaten at home for almost three years and in their last eight altogether. Though have failed to find the net in three of their last nine with two of those occasions being goalless draws with the Republic of Ireland. Shockingly the last two encounters between the sides has brought just five shots on target. Having said that Ireland have only scored a blank in three of their last 15 competitive away trips. Including warm-up matches the Danes last eight home games have all produced under 2.5 goals, furthermore all of Ireland’s last three visits to Denmark have ended in 0-0 draws.
Denmark to be fresher
So many of the Irish contingent are coming off the back of grueling seasons at club level, many of which are likely to start. Richard Keogh, Glenn Whelan and Conor Hourihane were all involved in the Championship playoff final on May 27, it will be interesting to see the fitness of these individuals and the likes of Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick of Sheffield United. The latter two will have been on holiday celebrating promotion only to have to return and get back in shape for this matchup. Though the Danish players are mainly first choice for their clubs, the leagues that they play in are not as demanding as the Premier League and Championship.
Key men to breakdown Mick McCarthy's backline
Yussuf Poulsen bagged 18 goals in all competitions for RB Leipzig this season as his side finished third securing Champions League qualification for next term. The athletic striker has only scored five times for Denmark having been capped 37 times, but he is a good aerial presence and poses a physical challenge to the Irish back four. Could prove an important focal point for the likes of Christian Eriksen and Pione Sisto to strut their stuff around. Eriksen of course being the key player in the spotlight on Friday evening having recently expressed his desire for a summer move away from Tottenham Hotspur. The playmaker scored a hattrick against Ireland in the playoffs for the World Cup in 2018 and will see the coming matches as an opportunity to perform in the shop window with Real Madrid reportedly interested in his signature.
Denmark to have too much creativity for Ireland to get anything from this match in a game that the Danes will dominate possession.
Denmark – Republic of Ireland Betting Tip
Denmark to Win + Under 3 goals with Bet365 at odds of 15/8.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Denmark dominated possession and attempts at goal but a late equaliser from the head of Shane Duffy cancelled out substitute Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s second half opener to rule out all outcomes of this bet.