Verdict: Denmark win to nil
Greatest odds: 8/5
Bookmaker: BetUS
Denmark will host Serbia at Parken Stadium on Sunday for his or her second UEFA Nations League match, following stable performances from each groups on matchday one.
With either side keen to construct on their preliminary success, the group is shaping as much as be extra aggressive than anticipated. Denmark will look to make their residence benefit rely, whereas Serbia clearly hope to forestall that from occurring.
Denmark
Denmark and Serbia enter their second Nations League fixture on Sunday, each coming off essential performances in what has turned out to be a extremely aggressive League A Group 4. Denmark secured a 2-0 victory over Switzerland underneath interim coach Lars Knudsen, setting the tone for his or her marketing campaign regardless of the continuing seek for Kasper Hjulmand’s long-term successor.
Serbia, in the meantime, held reigning champions Spain to a 0-0 draw, a end result that reinforces their willpower to compete on the highest stage underneath Dragan Stojkovic.
Denmark’s stable show in opposition to Switzerland was a much-needed enhance after their disappointing Euro 2024 marketing campaign, the place they struggled within the group stage and had been knocked out by hosts Germany. The Danes will now look to construct on their early momentum as they purpose for one more top-two end in League A, which might see them advance to the newly expanded quarterfinal format.
Staff Information
Denmark misplaced two of their most influential gamers, Simon Kjaer and Thomas Delaney, after Euro 2024 as each introduced their worldwide retirement. These departures, mixed with accidents all through the squad, opened the door for younger skills to step up. One such participant was Patrick Dorgu, who had a dream debut, scoring only a minute after approaching in opposition to Switzerland.
With Joakim Maehle and Rasmus Hojlund sidelined resulting from accidents, Albert Gronbaek made his debut in assault in opposition to the Swiss. He now faces competitors for a beginning spot from Dorgu and Gustav Isaksen in opposition to Serbia.
Denmark’s midfield has additionally seen adjustments resulting from accidents. Matt O’Riley needed to withdraw from the squad, and his preliminary alternative, Maurits Kjaergaard, additionally pulled out. Brentford’s Mathias Jensen was then known as up so as to add depth in the midst of the park.
Serbia
Serbia’s draw with Spain confirmed resilience and tactical self-discipline, even with a rotated squad.
Whereas that was a constructive end result, they nonetheless want to enhance considerably. They received simply two of their final 10 matches, persevering with the disappointing kind that noticed them exit Euro 2024 on the group stage with solely two factors. Their shaky performances in Germany mirrored their inconsistent qualifying marketing campaign, the place they narrowly secured second place, edging out neighbors Montenegro.
Nevertheless, the Nations League has introduced out the perfect in Serbia underneath coach Dragan Stojkovic. In 2022, they earned promotion to League A for the primary time, bouncing again from a gap defeat to Norway by gathering 13 factors from the following 15 out there to safe their spot within the high tier at Norway’s expense.
Throughout all Nations League editions, the Serbs have misplaced simply three of their 19 matches, demonstrating their energy on this competitors. Nevertheless, with harder competitors in League A, they’re thought of favorites for relegation again to League B, regardless of their promising begin in opposition to Spain. This marketing campaign will take a look at their capacity to compete at the next stage, and so they should discover extra consistency to keep away from dropping again down.
Staff Information
Serbia’s squad has undergone a significant transformation since Euro 2024, with a number of key gamers absent. Veteran playmaker Dusan Tadic has retired from worldwide soccer, whereas stars like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dušan Vlahovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Filip Kostic are additionally lacking from the present roster.
Mijat Gacinovic has been overlooked by Stojkovic, whereas Milos Veljkovic and Nemanja Maksimovic are sidelined resulting from harm. In complete, 11 gamers from the Euros squad have been dropped, reflecting the numerous adjustments.
Regardless of these absences, the skilled duo of Andrija Živkovic and Sasa Lukic each earned their fiftieth caps within the current draw in opposition to Spain. Moreover, the squad options contemporary expertise, with Jan-Carlo Simic, Kosta Nedeljkovic, and Kristijan Belic making their worldwide debuts, doubtlessly marking the beginning of a brand new period for Serbian soccer.
Conclusion
With out the likes of Mitrovic and Vlahovic, Serbia aren’t very prone to pose a lot of a menace for the house aspect, and their again line, although clearly well-organized and really resilient, isn’t very prone to maintain out for one more 90 minutes underneath stress.
Denmark ought to be capable of benefit from the scenario, although there shouldn’t be greater than a objective or two all advised.
Verdict: Denmark win to nil
Greatest odds: 8/5
Bookmaker: BetUS