Denmark host the Republic of Ireland in Copenhagen this week, in what is one of two games that will decide who makes it through to the World Cup Finals in Russia next year. Given their home advantage in the first leg, the emphasis will be on Denmark to take the game to their opponents on Saturday evening at the Parken Stadium.
World Cup Qualifiers Playoff – Parken, Copenhagen – Saturday 11th November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 23/10 at Skybet |
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Denmark
IrelandMatch Preview
After both teams finished second in their respective World Cup qualifying groups, both Denmark and the Republic of Ireland will be looking to go into the second leg of their playoff tie with a lead. The two nations both have a host of talent to call upon, with little separating the duo ahead of this weekend’s clash. With the game expected to receive a large amount of interest from betting customers, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, as well as some potential predictions for the match.
Denmark Team News & Form
Denmark finished second behind Poland in Group E with six wins from their ten games, including an impressive 4-0 win over the poles in Copenhagen. However, a defeat against Montenegro early on in proceedings demonstrated that they are still a team lacking consistency at this level. Manager Åge Hareide has a whole host of talented players to call upon, with Tottenham Hotspur star Christian Eriksen undoubtedly the main man for the Danes. Elsewhere, Kasper Schmeichel and Simon Kjaer help to ensure that Denmark are a difficult team to beat, while Feyenoord striker Nicolai Jorgensen will be prized with the task of scoring the goals to take his team to the Finals in Russia next year.
Republic of Ireland Team News & Form
Manager Martin O’Neil will have been disappointed to see his team lose out to Serbia in the race for top spot in Group D having once led, however their recent win over rivals Wales shows that they are a team capable of beating anyone on their day. Having only conceded six goals during qualifying, the Irish are a team who are difficult to beat, if lacking a little in attack. James McClean, Robbie Brady and Southampton striker Shane Long are among the biggest talents for the visitors, while former Manchester United defender John O’Shea could well start in Copenhagen, despite his struggles for Sunderland so far this season.
Head to Head
The two teams have met 13 times in the past, with the Republic of Ireland having won five of those encounters, as well as drawing the same amount. However, with the last meeting coming back in 2007, when the men in green came out on top thanks to a 4-0 win, little can be concluded from such meetings.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their status as the home team this weekend, it perhaps comes as little surprise that it is Denmark who are the favourites for victory with the bookmakers. The home side can be backed at best odds of 8/11 with Ladbrokes, while the visitors are the underdogs with odds of 19/5 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet there being under 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes, which can be found at best odds of 8/15 with William Hill.