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Prediction: Denmark vs Belgium

Tom Dunstan in Free Soccer Predictions 4 Sep 2020

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Verdict: Belgium win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to open their Nations League campaign with three points on Saturday night, Belgium will make the trip to Denmark this weekend.

Denmark

Starting with the hosts, while Denmark might have been disappointed to have signed off their delayed European qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw in Dublin back in November, the Reds have gained plenty of admirers over the past two years. Building off of their knockout stage finish in the World Cup finals out in Russia back in 2018, Kasper Hjulmand’s men secured an automatic spot out of Group D and finished just a single point behind eventual winners Switzerland. With the mood in their camp at a real high, Denmark were one of just a handful of nations who were unbeaten on route to clinching their spot at EURO 2021. Remarkably unbeaten across all competitions since their World Cup exit two years ago, a huge part of their extended purple patch has been thanks to their continued performances on home soil. Including what was a shock 1-0 win against the Swiss back in October, Saturday’s hosts have won each of their last four straight contests in Copenhagen and are unbeaten on competitive duties on home soil since October 2016.

Team News

Despite struggling to find his feet since making a move to Inter Milan back in January, Christian Eriksen will start in the center of midfield this weekend.

After helping RB Leipzig to the Champions League semi-finals last month, Yussuf Poulsen has been included in Hjulmand’s squad and should lead the line on Saturday night.

Belgium

As for the visitors, while Belgium might have been left heartbroken to have only collected a bronze medal finish out in Russia two years ago, the Red Devils have managed to keep hold of their #1 ranking with FIFA. Really laying down the most clinical of markers when cruising their way to next year’s delayed European Championships, Roberto Martínez’s men won each of their 10 Group I contests and are seen as one of the leading contenders in the Nations League this time around. Last seen back in November when putting on another free-scoring display in a thumping 6-1 romp against Cyprus on home soil, the one-time Wigan boss has a squad glittering with superstars and they have one leading marksman who has enjoyed a stunning domestic campaign either side of the enforced break. While he might not have been able to help Inter Milan lift the Europa League title last month, Romelu Lukaku recorded 38 goals for club and country last season.

Team News

Despite featuring in this summer’s extended Champions League last month, Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne has been included in Belgium’s Nations League opener.

Enjoying what has been a career-best campaign with Inter Milan last season, Romelu Lukaku will lead the line out in Copenhagen this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Along with winning each of their 10 European qualifying matchups last year, Belgium recorded 40 goals, the best record across any of the groups.
  • Romelu Lukaku scored 38 goals for club and country last season, his career-best return.
  • Along with winning their last four straight contests on home soil, Denmark are unbeaten in a competitive matchup in Copehanghan since October 2016.
  • The Red Devils have scored over 3.5 goals in three of their last four matchups on foreign soil.

Conclusion

Making the trip out to Denmark this weekend, Belgium will know that they have a tough task on their hands if they’re to open their Nations League campaign with three points on Saturday night. Coming up against a Denmark squad that finds the mood in their camp at a real high and in the midst of an unbeaten run on home soil that stems back to 2016, Roberto Martínez’s superstars will really have to be at their best. However, while the ever-impressive Danes might prove a stern test, the Red Devils really showed their steel during qualifying and find themselves in the midst of what has been a glittering 10-match winning run. Picking up a thumping 4-1 win away at Russia last time on foreign soil, we’re backing an away victory on Saturday night.

Verdict: Belgium win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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