Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Things are going pretty well for Republic of Ireland right now. They’ve bested both Georgia and Gibraltar 1-0, and sit at the top of Group D of the Euro 2020 qualifiers. However, Denmark look primed to put a serious dampener on their positive outlook. They, by far, represent the most serious challenge their opponents have encountered yet in their quest to make it to Europe’s biggest football tournament.
Denmark’s journey has already been a dramatic one. Their only qualifier so far saw them make a comeback against Switzerland to escape with a point from an initial three-goal deficit. So impressive was that performance that they may have more momentum than the Republic of Ireland, despite their lofty position in Group D. Is this the match where the fortune for each of these teams changes? Or do they stay on course? We’ll find out this Friday.
Denmark vs Ireland Prediction: Denmark 2-1 Ireland
This is a perfect example of when points and league positions don’t tell the whole story. The fact is that the Republic of Ireland haven’t impressed outside of the qualifiers. In fact, their 1-0 win over Gibraltar was their first victory since June 2018. Denmark, on the other hand, have appeared more consistent performance wise. However, the last time Denmark and the Republic of Ireland met, neither budged an inch, ending in a goalless stalemate. So, we doubt it will be an easy victory, but we think that Denmark’s offensive prowess will outmatch the Irish side. With that in mind, our scoreline prediction is 2-1 to Denmark.
Our recommended tip: Denmark win
Despite sitting at the top of their group and five points ahead of their opponents, the Republic of Ireland are not the bookmakers’ favourites in this Euro 2020 qualifier clash. At Paddy Power, the away team have high-risk 5/1 odds on a win. Due to their consistency on the pitch recently – not to mention the home field advantage – Denmark take the advantage here. They enjoy low-risk 1/2 match odds at Paddy Power and we, therefore, recommend you back them for your best chance of earning a ROI.
Previous matches
There’s even more evidence that this could be a close one, as their November 2018 meeting wasn’t the only time these sides have failed to find a winner. They also went to a 0-0 finish earlier that year and again in the first-leg of the World Cup qualifying play-offs in November 2017. It is actually only in the second-leg later that month that Denmark found a decisive 5-1 victory: the only one in recent memory. So, it’s a slight advantage for Denmark, but their head-to-head history remains a big indication that this will be tough for either side to win.
Top 3 Euro Qualifiers Bookies
Players to watch Christian Eriksen & Conor Hourihane
Denmark: Christian Eriksen
One man that the Republic of Ireland will no doubt be extremely wary of is Christian Eriksen. Remember that 5-1 2017 Denmark vs Republic of Ireland encounter we talked about? Well, he was responsible for three of those goals, and remains just as big of a threat to this day. He provided the assist for the first goal in Denmark’s astonishing comeback against Switzerland, and also scored against Kosovo in their only other match this year.
Republic of Ireland: Conor Hourihane
At 28 years-old, Conor Hourihane is no doubt a late bloomer. His early career suffered from constantly shifting sands, as he bounced from team to team. It has only really been with a recent season at Aston Villa that he has come into his own. Seeing him transfer that to the international stage with that astonishing free kick goal against Georgia was a moment to remember: one of many, we’re sure.
