Saturday, November 9, 2024

Prediction: Spain vs Denmark

Verdict: Spain win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Getting their Nations League adventure back underway on Saturday night, Spain will welcome Denmark to the Estadio Enrique Roca.

Spain

Starting with the hosts, making real history over the summer as they were crowned European champions, Spain are in the midst of what has become a sensational fairytale. Making real history on July 14th as they secured a famous 2-1 victory against England in Berlin, La Roja have only continued to shine since their EURO 24 success over the summer. Last seen laying down a real Nations League marker on September 8th as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp away at Switzerland, Luis de la Fuente’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Already pencilled in as a standout contender to defend their Nations League crown, Spain have now won nine of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. It should also be highlighted, La Roja have not suffered a competitive defeat on home soil since way back in September 2021.

Team News

Undergoing knee surgery last weekend and not expected to feature over the remainder of the season, Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has withdrawn from Spain’s squad. Likewise, suffering a hamstring injury against Alaves last weekend, Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has also dropped out of La Roja’s roster.

Having to make some late alterations, de la Fuente has called up both Bryan Zaragoza and Bryan Gil as cover. Overcoming a shoulder injury last month and making his Arsenal debut, Mikel Merino has been included in Spain’s squad and could earn a 29th international cap here.

Denmark

As for the visitors, enduring what was a real EURO 24 struggle over the summer as they failed to win any of their four showdowns in Germany, Denmark certainly struggled to find any positives on the major tournament stage. However, despite getting a new era underway following their downbeat European adventure, Saturday’s guests have claimed a major Nations League boost since getting proceedings underway last month. Opening their League A campaign with back-to-back 2-0 victories against Switzerland and Serbia respectively, the Danes have also registered consecutive competitive clean sheets for the first time over the past 13 months. However, more than aware that they face a monumental challenge this weekend, Denmark couldn’t have asked for a tougher test when they arrive at the Estadio Enrique Roca on Saturday night.

Team News

Marking his return from a muscle injury and opening his account away at Porto last week, Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has been included in Denmark’s squad. Likewise, despite failing to get regular minutes at Old Trafford this season, Christian Eriksen should feature on Saturday night and earn a 137th international cap.

Now playing his domestic football with Scottish giants Celtic following a summer switch, ex-Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will start between the sticks. Former Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will start at the heart of Denmark’s midfield this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

    • When Spain and Denmark last met back in August 2008, La Roja collected a thumping 3-0 victory on foreign soil.
    • In fact, Spain have won all of their previous four historic meetings against Saturday’s guests across all competitions by an aggregate score of 10-2.
    • Continuing on from their EURO 24 success over the summer, Spain have won nine of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
    • Denmark have failed to win any of their previous five consecutive appearances on foreign soil.
    • The Danes have seen all of their last seven competitive showdowns across all formats finish with under 2.5 goals.

    Conclusion

    Only continuing on what has been an iconic fairytale, Spain will simply be looking to lay down another marker here. Excited to turn their attention back to Nations League action on Saturday night, La Roja will be confident of cashing in on a Denmark squad that have failed to win any of their previous five consecutive showdowns on foreign soil. Landing a 3-0 victory when they last met the Danes back in 2008, we are expecting a similar home win for the reigning European champions this weekend.

    Verdict: Spain win 

    Best Odds: 2/5

    Bookmaker: Olympusbet

    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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