Portugal head to Copenhagen looking to make it three wins from three in the Nations League, but a resilient Denmark side await at Parken Stadium on Thursday in what should be a stern early test of Jorge Jesus’ perfect start.
Match Preview
Portugal sit top of Group A4 with a maximum six points from wins over Wales and Norway. Jesus’ side have been the standout performers in the group so far, and a third consecutive win on Thursday would put real daylight between them and the rest of the section heading into the November matchdays.
Denmark, by contrast, have had a mixed opening to their campaign, losing 3-2 to Scandinavian rivals Norway before responding with a routine win over Wales at Parken to collect three points from their first two matches.
That result leaves Brian Riemer’s side third in the group and in need of a big scalp to close the gap on the leaders. Denmark have earned something of a reputation for springing upsets on the European stage in recent cycles, and a home tie against the reigning champions is exactly the kind of occasion in which they have previously excelled.
Team News
Denmark will be without Albert Gronbaek, who is set for several weeks on the sidelines with a thigh injury, while Patrick Dorgu has also been ruled out after picking up a knock in the win over Wales. Mohamed Daramy looks the likely beneficiary out wide in Dorgu’s absence, with Victor Froholdt also pushing for a recall.
Gustav Isaksen and Rasmus Hojlund, both on the scoresheet in Denmark’s last two matches, are certainties to keep their places, alongside the experienced central pairing of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Morten Hjulmand.
Portugal have a near-full-strength squad to choose from. Bruno Fernandes missed the win over Norway but has since returned to full training and is expected to be restored to the starting XI, while Ronaldo, left on the bench in Oslo, should also come back into the side.
His recall would make life difficult for Goncalo Ramos, who scored in Portugal’s last outing, while Joao Felix continues to be in fine individual form, having scored in each of his last two matches for the national team.
Denmark vs Portugal Predicted XI
Denmark Predicted XI:
Jorgensen; Kristensen, Andersen, Provstgaard, Maehle; Hjulmand, Hojbjerg; Isaksen, Damsgaard, Daramy; Hojlund
Portugal Predicted XI:
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Fernandes, Felix, Neto; Ronaldo
Score Prediction
Denmark 1-2 Portugal
