THE bookies make Slovenia odds-on favourites to finish bottom of Group C at Euro 2024 but they head into their opener against Denmark on an impressive run of form.
These teams were also in the same qualifying section and only goal difference saw the Danes claim top spot. The Slovenians have since gone five games unbeaten in friendlies, claiming the scalp of a star-studded Portugal side in the process.
Coach Matjaz Kek boasts a top-class keeper in Jan Oblak and a precocious talent in Benjamin Sesko so the underdogs could put the bite on either the Danes, England or Serbia at the finals.
Denmark were the surprise package at Euro 2020 and all the neutrals were rooting for them after the shock collapse of Christian Eriksen in their opener against Finland.
A wave of emotion swept Kasper Hjulmand's men all the way to the semi-finals and they were unfortunate to lose to an extra-time winner from Harry Kane at Wembley.
The Danes then flopped at the World Cup in Qatar so they will be determined to make amends with a strong showing at Euro 2024, starting with a win over Slovenia.
How the bookies view it: Danish to bring home the bacon
Bet365 make Denmark hot favourites for this one at 8/11 with Slovenia outsiders at 17/4, One of their meetings in qualifying ended in a draw and another stalemate pays 5/2.
Head to head: Slo mercy from dominant Danes
Denmark have a superb record against Slovenia and are unbeaten in all six meetings. Five of those matches have ended in Danish victories although it ended level when these sides faced off in Slovenia during Euro 2024 qualifying.
Last five H2H duels:
- 17/11/2023 (EURO Qualifiers) – Denmark 2-1 Slovenia
- 19/06/2023 (EURO Qualifiers) – Slovenia 1-1 Denmark
- 06/02/2008 (International Friendly) – Slovenia 1-2 Denmark
- 25/04/2001 (International Friendly) – Denmark 3-0 Slovenia
- 30/04/1997 (World Cup Qualifiers) – Denmark 4-0 Slovenia
Players to watch: Sesk appeal for Slovenia
Slovenian striker Sesko is one of the most coveted young players in Europe but it looks like he will be staying at RB Leipzig instead of moving on. The 21-year-old has netted 23 times this season so his tail will be up.
Rasmus Hojland was Denmark's top scorer in qualifying with seven goals but heads to the finals off the back of a patchy debut season at Manchester United. The kid has been a streaky scorer this term so a goal in the opener could spark his tournament to life. He's 13/8 to get off the mark here.
Probable line-ups
Denmark should be close to full strength for the group opener, barring any late injuries in training. Bejamin Verbic, Miha Blazic, Petar Stojanovic and Sandi Lovric are doubts for Slovenia.
Slovenia: Oblak; Karnicnik, Brekalo, Bijol, Janza; Horvat, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko
Denmark: Schmeichel; Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard; Kristiansen, Hjulmand, Eriksen, Højbjerg, Bah; Højlund, Wind
Anything else catch the eye?
The first game in the group stage is often cagey and the half-time draw came up in both meetings when these sides faced off in the qualifiers. So it could pay to back a repeat here and a stalemate at 45 minutes pays 11/10.
There was an average of 11 corners across those two qualifiers so that's another market worth exploring. Over nine corners pays 11/10 here and that looks decent value after coming up in the last two meetings.
Leicester stopper Jannik Vestergaard is always good value for a card, having picked up 13 yellows this term. He's 5/1 to go in the book here which looks overpriced based on his stats.
This Euro 2024 match between Slovenia and Denmark will be played on Jun 16, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Slovenia vs Denmark prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
