Nations League | League A

Nov 15, 2024 at 7.45pm UK

Telia Parken

Denmarkvs.Spain

Match preview

Denmark have won two, drawn one and lost one of their four matches in Group 4 of League A, which has left them second, three points above third-placed Serbia and three from leaders Spain.

The Red and Whites got off to a strong start in the 2024-25 Nations League, with back-to-back wins against Switzerland and Serbia. However, they faced a setback with a 1-0 loss in Spain and a 2-2 draw with Switzerland in their last match.

Denmark will wrap up their group stage on November 18th in Serbia. They're currently in a strong position to finish second, but poor results in their final two matches could see them drop out of the top two.

This will be Brian Riimer's first game in charge of Denmark. He was confirmed as the new manager on 24 October, having previously been in charge of Anderlecht.

Denmark have only won two of their previous 17 matches against Spain. Their last success over Friday's opponents was a 1-0 victory in a World Cup qualification fixture back in March 1993.

Spain have won seven and drawn one of their last eight meetings with Denmark, including a 1-0 success in the reverse match last month, with Martin Zubimendi deciding the contest in the 79th minute.

Luis de la Fuente's team are at the top of Group 4 in League A with 10 points, having won three and drawn one of their four matches so far. They've already made it through to the quarter-finals of the competition.

If they draw, they'll be in the top spot on Friday, but if they lose, it'll be anyone's game, especially if Serbia beats Switzerland that night.

Spain, who are playing their last group match at home against Switzerland on 18 November, are the current holders of the Nations League title. They won the 2022-23 competition, beating Croatia in the final.

La Roja also famously won Euro 2024, and they've been on a winning streak since March, when they played Colombia in a friendly. They haven't lost a competitive match since a friendly with Colombia in March.

Recent Performance

Denmark Nations League form:WWLD

Denmark form (all competitions):DLWWLD

Spain Nations League form:DWWW

Spain form (all competitions):WWDWWW

Team News

New Denmark head coach Riemer has a few big decisions to make when it comes to picking his team for this match, especially in the final third of the field.

Rasmus Hojlund has only scored twice for Man United this season, but the 21-year-old has seven goals in 20 caps for his country. It looks like he'll be given the nod in the final third of the field, covering Kasper Dolberg and Yussuf Poulsen.

Hojlund's club teammate Christian Eriksen is also back from a recent injury and should start, while Patrick Dorgu, who's a talented left-sided wing-back, could make just his fourth appearance.

It looks like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will be joined by Morten Hjulmand in midfield, while Joachim Andersen, who's been in great form for Fulham this season, is likely to be introduced into the back three.

Spain has had to make some changes to its squad due to a few players being unable to play. Pau Torres has had to withdraw due to a muscular issue, while Unai Simon, Dani Carvajal, Rodri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal are all out for the European champions.

There was some doubt about whether Álvaro Morata would play due to a head injury he picked up during a training session with AC Milan, but he should start and will be looking to add to his 37 goals for his country.

Nico Williams and Dani Olmo are also in the running for places in the final third of the field, while Pedro Porro is set to play at right-back.

Alex Grimaldo and Marc Cucurella are competing for the left-back position, while Aitor Paredes, Marc Casado and Samu Omorodion are all hoping to make their first appearances for the national side on Friday night.

Possible starting lineup

Denmark possible starting lineup:

Schmeichel; Andersen, Vestergaard, Nelsson; Bah, Hjulmand, Hojbjerg, Dorgu; Eriksen, Hojlund, Gronbaek

Spain possible starting lineup:

Raya; Porro, Vivian, Laporte, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Ruiz; Olmo, Pedri, N Williams; Morata