Sports Mole preview Monday’s Nations League clash between Denmark and Austria, including predictions, team news and possible line-ups.
The top two teams in League A Group 1 of UEFA Nations League prepare for Monday night’s fight when Denmark welcome Austria to Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
Kasper HjulmandLast time, the Croatian men lost 1-0, while unfortunately the visitors didn’t get all three points from their clash with France.
game preview
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Failure to take advantage Luke Modric and Mateo Kovacic45 minutes without a Croatian team on Friday night, Denmark ultimately paid the price and conceded a narrow home defeat to the 2018 runners-up.
A series of half-time substitutions saw Croatia emerge as second-half midfielders from Atalanta BC by any means necessary Mario Pasalic shot home in the 69th minute to end Denmark’s perfect start in the group, but the Scandinavians are still pretty much at the top.
In fact, Hjulmand’s side are two clear of their upcoming opponents, having left Austria and France by three points each earlier this month, and optimism is only growing ahead of the 2022 World Cup, where Denmark will learn the fate of their final group opponents this week.
The defeat to Croatia ended a six-game winning streak for Denmark on their own soil and it has been over a year since Hjulmand’s side last drew in a competition, but such a result here would put them on pole Position to qualify for the Qualifying Finals before they get back together in September.
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Kylian Mbappe Recovered from his injury in time to enjoy a productive 30-minute appearance on Friday and while one should never wish ill health on a player, Austrian fans would likely have been frustrated to see the Paris Saint-Germain striker so quickly left the treatment room.
Before the introduction of Mbappé Ralph RangnikThanks, the team was on course to a memorable win against the world champions Andreas Weimanbut Mbappe’s response in the 83rd minute forced a share of the spoils in Vienna.
Rangnick’s side were rightly praised for coming so close to taking home all three points, but the former Manchester United manager wanted to avoid congratulations after they failed to hold a slender advantage and this draw lets Austria down second place are standings after three games.
A win, a draw and a loss in the first three games in charge is a true definition of mixed fortunes for Rangnick, who must now look to lead the team to a sixth consecutive victory away in the Nations League.
The most recent of those successes was Das Team scoring three in Rangnick’s first game against Croatia, but they lost 2-1 to Denmark earlier this month and have now suffered four straight defeats against their Scandinavian counterparts since winning a friendly in 2010 have to
Form of the Danish Nations League:
Denmark form (all competitions):
Form of the Austria Nations League:
Austrian form (all competitions):
Team News
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Substitute for Denmark Yusuf Poulsen was on the pitch for just seven minutes on Friday night before being substituted with a muscular problem and the attacker has already been eliminated for the game.
News of Poulsen’s injury is hardly ideal afterwards Kasper Dolberg‘s shoulder problem ruled him out of the recent loss to the Checkered Ones, however Martin Braithwaite and Jonas wind both still offer competition for Andrew Cornelius in front.
Robert Skow and the new boy from Leeds United Rasmus Kristensen Both are ready to give Denmark a fresh start on the right flank Christian Ericsen is close to his 115th cap for the national team.
Austria’s treatment room isn’t empty either, with the Real Madrid defender David Alaba face France with an apparent muscular problem and are replaced by Kevin Danso.
It’s hard to imagine Rangnick taking a risk here and with Alaba’s fitness Philip Lienhart not yet return from a fever, Danso and Gerhard Trauner could make up the visitors’ centre-back pairing this week.
Stuttgart giant Sasa Kalajdzic represents a rested option in the offensive lines for Austria, which could also decide to retreat Christopher Baumgartner for the first XI.
Denmark possible starting line-up:
flattery; Kristensen, Christensen, Andersen, Maehle; Hojbjerg, Jensen; Skov, Eriksen, Damsgard; wind
Austria possible starting line-up:
Pentz; Lainer, Trauner, Danso, Wober; Schlager, Laimer, Sabitzer; Baumgartner; Weimann, Kalajdzic
We say: Denmark 1:1 Austria
Denmark and Austria can be pleased with their starts in the current Nations League cycle but are already itching for a long summer break that could result in a somewhat conservative struggle between tired legs.
Hjulmand’s men are unlikely to be contained on their own soil, but Austria held up remarkably well against France and we believe this showdown has a tie draw.
For a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, goal scores and more for this game, please click here.
top tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com predict under 2.5 goals in this game. Click here to find out what else they predict for this game and for more of their tried and true football tips.Under 2.5:Data