Ireland needs a win to qualify for Euro 2020 while Denmark need a draw. The Danes sit top of Group D with 15 points and an unbeaten record while the hosts are third with 12 points. These two teams have met a number of times before in recent years, with the most memorable match being Denmark’s 5-1 win which sent them to the World Cup. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
The Republic of Ireland host Denmark in a painfully familiar scenario. They were thrashed 5-1 by Åge Hareide’s side two years ago, a win that sent their opponents to the 2018 World Cup. The magnitude of this match means Mick McCarthy’s men will have to be at their best against a side ranked 14th in the world. Ireland have also lost just once in the qualifiers and will be heading into this match high in confidence. Can they get maximum points?
Meanwhile, the Danes have been brilliant in Group D. They are unbeaten in their seven games and will only need a draw to qualify. However, the Irishmen held them to a disappointing 1-1 draw in June. This will be the sixth time these two have met in two years with four ending in draws and Denmark winning one. Can they get a point in Dublin?
Betting preview
The hosts have won four of their last five home matches in all competitions. They have not lost a European qualifier at home since 2010. Denmark have won just once in their last six Euro qualifiers away from home, losing twice and drawing three times in that run. You can back Republic Double Chance at odds of 1.55.
Four of the last seven meetings between these two have seen Under 2.5 Goals. Ireland’s last eight matches in European qualifiers have seen two or fewer goals scored. Denmark drew 0-0 with Georgia in their last away match. For that reason, you can back Under 2.5 Goals in this clash at odds of 1.50.
At least one team has not scored in six of the last seven meetings between these two familiar foes. Both Teams to Score No has also happened in five of Ireland’s last six home matches in European qualifiers while Denmark’s last six away matches in qualifying have seen both teams score in just two matches. You can back Both Teams to Score No at odds of 1.70.
Team news
Seamus Coleman’s suspension means Wolves’ Matt Doherty will be drafted in at right-back for the hosts.
Denmark have no major injury concerns with Premier League stars Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel and Andreas Christensen set to start.
Possible line-ups
Ireland: Randolph, Doherty, Duffy, Egan, Stevens, Hourihane, Whelan, Robinson, Hendrick, McClean, McGoldrick
Denmark: Schmeichel, Wass, Jørgensen, Kjær, Larsen, Schöne, Delaney, Skov, Eriksen, Braithwaite, Gytkjær