Denmark vs Ireland
FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-off – UEFA
Date: Saturday, 11th November 2017
Kick-off at 19:45 UK/ 20:45 CET
Venue: Telia Parken (Copenhagen).

A strong run in the second half of the campaign saw Denmark clinch the second spot in qualification group comfortably ahead of Montenegro and Romania. Starting with 2 defeats within the first three games, the Danes finished the campaign on a 7 match unbeaten that saw 5 wins and 2 draws. The pick of the results is unarguably the 4-0 demolition of Poland at home turf.

Ireland needed a win on final group game at Wales and a solitary goal from James McClean was enough to send the team to second in the group behind Sebia. It was nothing less than what they deserved after proving to be one of the toughest teams to beat in the competitions. Ireland lost just during their 10 games in the campaign, raked up 5 wins and 4 draws.

Danish head-coach Age Hareide and Ireland boss Martin O’Neil were team-mates with Manchester City and Norwich City.

Denmark: Team News

Age Hareide is sweating on the fitness of team captain Simon Kjaer, who picked up a knock in Sevilla’s defeat against Barcelona last weekend.

Striker Nicolai Jorgensen is also a minor doubt, but both players are expected to start.

Denmark: Predicted Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1)

Schmeichel – Bjelland, Kjaer, Christensen, Larsen – Kvist, Delaney, Eriksen – Sisto, Jorgensen, Cornelius.

Ireland: Team News

David Meyler is suspended for the first leg and Glenn Whelan could start in his place.

Meanwhile, James McCarthy, Richard Keogh and Sean Maguire will not play any part in the play-offs through injury.

Another head-ache for Martin O’Neil is the fitness of Jeff Hendrick and Stephen Ward with the former almost certain to miss the first leg fixture at least.

O’Neil could deploy a flexible 4-4-2 formation to start with which may transform into a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 towards the end of the game.

Ireland: Predicted Starting Line-up (4-4-2)

Randolph – Ward, Clark, Duffy, Christie – Arter, Whelan, Hourihane, Brady – McClean, Murphy.

Denmark vs Ireland: Head-to-head

Ireland are ahead in the h2h meetings with 5 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses from the 13 meetings between the two sides.

Their last meeting was in a friendly in 2007 which resulted in a 4-0 win for the Irish side.

However, the Danes are unbeaten in the last four qualifying fixtures at home against Ireland with 2 wins and 2 draws.

Yet, this is the first meeting between the two team in a qualifying fixture since 1992.

Denmark vs Ireland: Predictions

Ireland are missing most of their key players that played a big part in the resolute run in the competition so far, which is rather unfortunate in an important fixture like this. But, one must expect the fighting spirit from the sides that we had often seen through out the campaign.

Without a doubt, the Danes are one of the most stable sides in the tournament with quality players in all departments of play. And with all key players available for selection, they are expected to edge out a win here.

Predicted Full-Time Correct Score: 2-1 Denmark @ 9.50.

Denmark vs Ireland: Bet Tips

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  FT – Denmark to win and Both teams to Score @ 4.80 odd.

  
  


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  Over 2.5 match goals 2.50 odd.