Slovenia vs Denmark: Preview, lineups and predictions

Slovenia are just one of three teams participating in Euro 2024 that find themselves outside the top 50 of FIFA’s world rankings. For the side currently ranked 57th globally, just making it out of the group stage would represent a huge achievement. It would also be their first time doing so, as they failed to reach the knockout stages in their only other Euros appearance (in 2000).

Comparatively, Denmark have a lot more European Championship pedigree. Crowned champions in 1992, they also went as far as the semi-finals during the 2020 edition. They might not have such lofty expectations this time but progressing out of the group is something of a minimum requirement. To avoid falling short of this, they could do with three points in this Group C opener.

• Location: Stuttgart
• Stadium: Stuttgart Arena (MHPArena)
• Date: 16 June 2024
• Kick-off Time: 18:00 CEST (17:00 BST)
• Referee: Sandro Sch?rer
• VAR: Fedayi San

Slovenia Team News

There has been much speculation regarding the future of Slovenia’s star striker, Benjamin Sesko, recently. He put an end to the rumours though by penning a new contract with RB Leipzig earlier in the week. As for injury news, there is some positive news concerning the trio of Benjamin Verbi?, Miha Bla?i? and Petr Stojanovi?. Each of them was suffering problems before making the trip to Germany, but all have been spotted in training recently. This is a huge boost for Slovenia, given that these men have more than 100 caps between them.

Denmark Team News

One late change to the Denmark squad sees Galatasaray’s Victor Nelsson make way for Brentford’s? Mathias J?rgensen. This is a relatively minor swap as far as things go, as Nelsson, who has been struggling for full fitness, was relatively far down the central defence pecking order. Fellow centre-back and team captain Simon Kjaer has been gaining some minutes following six weeks on the sidelines. His half-hour stint against Norway last week was his first decent run-out since 14th April.

Slovenia vs Denmark H2H Record and Key Numbers

This is only the seventh meeting between these two sides. Denmark have enjoyed the better of the previous six, recording five wins and one draw. The Danes’ superiority across the last two fixtures ensured they topped their Euro 2020 qualification table. They finished level on points with Slovenia, who had the superior goal difference, but the tiebreaker used was the head-to-head record.

Since their last meeting in November, Denmark have played a further five matches. Although there was a disappointing loss to Northern Ireland, the Danes recorded wins over rivals Norway and Sweden. Impressively, Slovenia are on a six-game unbeaten run since their loss in Copenhagen, despite facing the likes of Portugal and the USA in this time.

Possible Lineups

• Slovenia (4-4-2): Oblak – Karni?nik, Brekalo, Bijol, Jan?a – Horvat, El?nik, Gnezda ?erin, Mlakar – ?porar, ?e?ko
• Denmark (3-5-2): Schmeichel – Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard – Kristiansen, Hjulmand, Eriksen, H?jbjerg, Bah – H?jlund, Wind

Where to Watch Slovenia vs Denmark Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming

The match will be broadcast on DR 1 in Denmark and TV Slovenija 2 in Slovenia. UK viewers can catch the action on ITV and STV (Scotland).

Prediction

Denmark has looked the better side in both their recent meetings with Slovenia, and I expect this to be the case again. This is not a Denmark side at their prime, but they should still have enough quality to beat Slovenia, which is among the weakest nations in the competition. Jan Oblak will take some beating in the Slovenia net, but the Danes have only failed to score in two of their last 14 matches. With this in mind, I am going for a scoreline of?2-1 in favour of Denmark.

For more Slovenia vs Denmark predictions, you can check our tips page.