Denmark and Slovenia square off on Friday knowing that the winner of this contest will secure automatic qualification for Euro 2024 with a game to spare.

However, with a four-point gap ahead of third-placed Kazakhstan in Group H, these two nations effectively get two bites of the cherry to earn a spot at next year's tournament.

Match preview

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There will be those that say - with justification - that Denmark have made somewhat of a meal of trying to progress from what was a favourable group.

As well as defeat in Kazakhstan, late goals were required to defeat Finland on both occasions, and VAR was in their favour as they edged past Northern Ireland.

Nevertheless, the end result is Denmark accumulating 19 points from their eight games, leaving them requiring just one win from their final two fixtures to guarantee qualification.

Although they are assured of a playoff spot, Kasper Hjulmand will naturally want their place at Euro 2024 secured as soon as possible, particularly when there is a scenario where defeat to Slovenia, and Kazakhstan beating Slovenia in their next game, would likely leave them needing to beat Northern Ireland.

That is all ifs and buts, though, and Hjulmand will be confident that his team can extend their undefeated streak to seven matches at a time when they have not lost on home territory since June 2022.

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From Slovenia's perspective, this fixture is far more important given that they do not have the security of a guaranteed place in the playoffs.

Like with Denmark, one win from two games will get them to Euro 2024, but facing Denmark away is their toughest fixture on paper and they could find themselves under enormous pressure if they have to avoid defeat to Kazakhstan in their final fixture.

Form is in their favour with four successive victories being posted, with a 3-0 triumph at home to Finland being followed by a battling 1-0 success away in Northern Ireland.

Matjaz Kek's team have also lost just once in 14 matches - a period lasting since June 2022 - and they will back themselves to get over the line, whether it is on Friday or Monday.

Team News

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Denmark will line up with at least four different players from the San Marino fixture due to the absences of Elias Jelert, Simon Kjaer, Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund.

Rasmus Kristensen and Andreas Christensen appear most likely to be recalled at right-back and centre-back respectively.

Mathias Jensen or Thomas Delaney should get an opportunity in midfield, while Yussuf Poulsen may edge out Jonas Wind for the role down the centre of the attack.

Kek, meanwhile, could select the same Slovenia XI from the away fixture in Northern Ireland, a game which they won through a Adam Gnezda Cerin free kick.

If a change is made, Jasmin Kurtic could be brought into central midfield with Andraz Sporar potentially making way.

Denmark possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel; Kristensen, Christensen, Andersen, Maehle; Hojbjerg, Norgaard, Jensen; Lindstrom, Poulsen, Daramy

Slovenia possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Karnicnik, Blazic, Bijol, Janza; Mlakar, Elsnik, Cerin, Stojanovic; Sporar, Sesko

We say: Denmark 2-1 Slovenia

Denmark have been far from convincing throughout this qualification campaign, as shown during the fixture with San Marino. Nevertheless, home advantage could prove key on Friday, leading us to predict a hard-fought victory over their group rivals.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Darren Plant

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