Best Odds: 7/10
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Looking to sign off their EURO 24 qualifying romp with another statement on Monday night, Denmark will make the trip to Belfast when they meet Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland
Starting with the hosts, marking their return to qualifying duties over the weekend with another woeful display, Northern Ireland find themselves in the midst of a public crisis. Eventually getting hit with a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Finland, it is no secret that Michael O’Neil has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Signing off October’s international break with a toothless 1-0 loss at home against Slovenia, the Greens have remarkably lost seven of their previous eight Group H showdowns a run that stems back to a 2-0 win away at San Marino on March 23rd. Mustering just six points from their nine qualifying appearances this year, the former Stoke boss will also have a real headache over his side’s extended issues on home soil. Including a 1-0 loss against Kazakhstan back on June 19th, Northern Ireland have lost three of their last four Group H contests in Belfast. Limping their way over the finish line, O’Neil’s men should be bracing themselves for another stern examination here.
Team News
In what is a huge blow for Northern Ireland, the Greens will once again be without Manchester United defender Johnny Evans here. Likewise, with number-one goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell also dealing with a recent injury issue, Plymouth shot-stopper Conor Hazard will once again start between the sticks on Monday night.
Notching nine League One goals this season with Bolton, 28-year-old Dion Charles should spearhead O’Neil’s charge in Belfast. Middlesbrough defender Paddy McNair will once again partner Sunderland’s Daniel Ballard at the back.
Denmark
As for the visitors, while Northern Ireland might be enduring a Group H crisis this year, Denmark are in the midst of a major purple patch. With the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, the Reds will simply be looking to sign off their qualifying romp with another statement on Monday night. Marking their return to Group H action over the weekend with a 2-1 win at home against Slovenia, Kasper Hjulmand’s men have cruised their way to EURO 24. Gaining a string of plaudits from across the continent during their qualifying adventure, Denmark have won each of their last five appearances on the spin. With that run highlighted by a 3-1 victory against Kazakhstan on October 14th, the one-time Mainz boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Suffering just a single defeat in their nine Group H showdowns this year, Monday’s guests will be excited by a trip to Belfast here. Landing a 1-0 win when they welcomed Northern Ireland to town back on June 16th, Denmark will certainly be seeking a repeat performance.
Team News
Dealing with a recent injury issue and facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines, Denmark will once again be without Manchester United ace Christian Eriksen here. Despite struggling to get much first-team action with Tottenham so far this season, ex-Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojburg will earn a 73rd international cap in Belfast.
Although RB Leipzig striker Yussuf Poulsen might have bagged just a single strike for club or country this season, the 29-year-old should spearhead Hjulmand’s charge on foreign soil.
Key Factors to Consider
