Denmark v Wales: Danish duo worth backing

Denmark v Wales
Sunday 27 September, 17:00
Live on BBC One

Click here for latest Denmark v Wales odds

Danes licking their Haaland-inflicted wounds

Denmark aren't the first team to be on the wrong of an Erling Haaland masterclass, and they won't be the last. In their regional rumble with Norway in Oslo, Denmark fought back from 2-0 down to level at 2-2, only for the Manchester City star to smash home a beautifully struck winner.

Denmark are rebuilding after missing two big chances to go to the World Cup. They lost a crucial qualifier in dramatic fashion against Scotland, and then they lost to a limited Czechia side on penalties in the playoff final. Coach Brian Riemer is under huge pressure, and defeat here could be the final straw.

Bellamy encouraged by Lisbon display

Wales ultimately lost their League A opener against Portugal at the Jose Alvalade, but the 1-0 defeat contained some admirable performances from Craig Bellamy's players. A furious press caused the Selecao problems in the opening exchanges, and had Brennan Johnson scored instead of hitting the bar at 1-0, it could have been a very different outcome.

What was all the more impressive was that Wales performed like that without a number of injured players, including key attacker Harry Wilson and Premier League centre-back Joe Rodon. Bellamy wants his team to do more with the ball, but was very proud of how they dug in without it in Lisbon.

There aren't likely to be many personnel changes here, although Dan James is pushing for a recall in attack.

Damsgaard to make his mark

Backing Denmark to win at 2/51.40 holds little appeal, so I'll back the hosts in a different way. Brentford playmaker Mikkel Damsgaard has been part of the Bees' excellent start to the Premier League season, and he is on a tear for Denmark. The diminutive schemer has delivered a goal or an assist in six of his last eight appearances for Denmark, and he is an alluring 6/52.20 to score or assist here.

Hojlund to lead the charge

Since leaving Manchester United, Rasmus Hojlund has thrived in Italy with Napoli. The 23-year-old scored 22 goals for club and country last season, and he already has a couple of goals this term. For Denmark, Hojlund has a healthy 14 goals in 36 caps, and I'll back him to have two or more shots on target here. Hojlund has done that in four of his last six competitive appearances for Denmark.

We'll double that up with Wales midfielder Ethan Ampadu to commit two or more fouls. The Leeds star produced two fouls against Portugal, the third time already this season that he has been whistled twice in a game. It's worth noting that Ampadu committed five fouls across two World Cup qualifiers against Belgium, so we can conclude that when Wales face superior opposition, his foul count tends to rise.

That combination gives us a 2/13.00 Bet Builder.

Now read our other Nations League tips here!