Denmark vs North Macedonia Prediction: Leaky defences bode well for goals

Denmark have had time to reflect on their crushing defeat against Scotland which cost them an automatic place at the Fifa World Cup finals. The Danes have been given the advantage of a home tie in their play-off semi-final against North Macedonia on Thursday (19:45 GMT, Prime Video).

The visitors were left shell-shocked on their last appearance as they were heavily beaten 7-1 by Wales. Read on for my Denmark vs North Macedonia predictions, supported by the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Rasmus Hojlund scored five goals in as many appearances in qualifying and Denmark will be looking to him for inspiration in the final third on Thursday.

Newcastle United attacker Will Osula has received another call-up as he bids to make his senior bow, while Bodo/Glimt's Kasper Hogh has been called up for the first time after a stellar campaign for the Norwegian outfit.

Football Odds

North Macedonia have no fresh concerns heading into Thursday's tie but the squad will look to the leadership of captain Enis Bardhi and fellow veteran Ezgjan Alioski.

Denmark vs North Macedonia Odds

Denmark are 2/7 to prevail in regulation time and they have won 16 of their last 20 home games.

The Danes' last home outing ended in a 2-2 draw against Belarus. The draw on this occasion is marketed at 9/2.

North Macedonia are seen as a 10/1 shot to win this match inside 90 minutes.

Both teams have scored in each of Denmark's previous three fixtures and BTTS - Yes here is on offer at 5/4.

Today's Football Fixtures

Total Goals - Over 3.5 @ 7/4

With so much at stake on Thursday night I am expecting no shortage of goals in Copenhagen. Over 3.5 goals looks great value at 7/4 as this has been a winning selection in each of Denmark's last three matches.

Additionally, the hosts' previous three outings on home turf have produced three-plus goals, so I fancy this trend to continue on Thursday. This has been a successful bet in two of North Macedonia's past five fixtures, including the 7-1 humiliation against Wales last time out.

Both Teams To Score - Yes @ 5/4

The wounds from the Scotland game have probably not healed yet so for as much as Denmark feel as though they are ready to make amends in the play-offs, I suspect that they will still look vulnerable defensively.

The good thing for Brian Reimer's side is that their opponents' defence are also in a sorry state after leaking seven goals in Wales in their latest match. Due to this, I can see both sets of attackers profiting and BTTS - Yes looks a solid selection at 5/4 (implied probability of 44.4%), particularly as it has landed in each of Denmark's last three games.

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