Slovakia vs Denmark Predictions

Slovakia and Denmark are both kicking off their campaigns in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday, but will they be able to secure a friendly victory ahead of the weekend? That was the Danes’ aim in what was set to be an evenly matched game, but off-field issues have changed this clash radically. Slovakia are now heavy favourites against a Denmark side who are depleted, missing their manager and key players after their football association was unable to agree terms with the squad. Just how will that affect this clash?

It won’t change how Slovakia approach it, as they’re going to be pushing for a victory here. They are readying themselves for clashes with Ukraine and the Czech Republic in the Nations League, and going up against a side who featured at the World Cup is a good way for them to start. They have a solid side, and will be making a push for Euro 2020 in the qualifying campaign. They managed to end their World Cup qualifying campaign with four straight home wins after a narrow loss to England, so they’re no pushovers.

Meanwhile, Denmark have had their preparations ahead of this game scuppered. They were impressive in their run to the last 16 of the World Cup, and this seemed like a squad ready to kick on over the next two-year cycle. However, that won’t be happening any time soon. After failing to agree a new commercial rights deal with their FA, the Denmark squad were released from international duty. As a result, the Danes are now set to use domestic based players in a significantly weakened squad. After the squad was released, it was agreed that manager Age Hareide could also sit out the next two games, given that it wasn’t his squad.

That huge blow for Denmark has them as massive outsiders here. They are set to name a weakened side for this trip, and they’re playing a solid Slovakia outfit. Their impressive defensive line saw them win their last four competitive home games without conceding a goal. Meanwhile, Denmark’s senior side haven’t won an away friendly in 10 attempts. That’s hardly likely to change now, given their backroom issues.

We expect Slovakia to claim a comfortable win over Denmark, and we think a home win to nil is the best choice here. Slovakia have enough talent to shut out a good side, they should have little trouble against whatever team the Danes cobble together.