DENMARK can virtually confirm qualification from Group C with a win here, whilst Australia need to get points on the board after a gutting 2-1 loss to France in their opening fixture. Which way will this one go? Ross Casey (@RossCasey24) offers his World Cup betting advice for their clash in Samara.
Australia v Denmark | Thursday 21st June 2018, 13:00 | ITV
This match is a very interesting one from a betting perspective as Denmark are available at an odds-against price with Marathon at 101/100, whilst others make the Red-White odds-on. It's an interesting price for a side that has lost just two of their last 18 games.
Australia probably put in a better performance than Denmark in their two opening games, but came away with nothing, whilst the Danes took all three points. The Socceroos are a short shy of 4/1 with a best price of 18/5 with Betfred.
Denmark
The reliance on Christian Eriksen for Denmark is pretty vast with the Spurs star top scoring in qualifying with eight goals – double the number notched by Thomas Delaney, and four times more than both strikers Andreas Cornelius and Nicola Jorgenson.
Interestingly, Denmark are capable of scoring hatfuls of goals in single games – see their 5-1 demolition of Ireland. But of late, their goals have dried up with just five scored in their last seven fixtures.
They were less than impressive against Peru in their opening encounter, but they managed to pull out a win which is the true test of successful sides, to win when not at your best.
Whilst again, they looked short of a fruitful attack their defence held up again. That is now five clean sheets in a row for Denmark and something I am taking notice of for my best bet later.
Australia
Australia have only lost two of their last 10 games themselves and put up a decent fight against France last week. The Aussies have taken results from Colombia, Hungary, and Czech Republic during this period too, so there are plenty of reasons to feel confident, despite their opening fixture defeat.
Tomi Juric is expected to come in and replace Andrew Nabbout up front for Australia, but apart from that it's likely to be an identical line-up as the one fielded against France which impressed.
They have played Denmark three times, losing twice and winning once, so they will be looking to even that statistic and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
The betting angle
Denmark double chance and Under 2.5 Goals (10/11 188BET) is my pick here with unders coming in during nine of the last 11 Denmark matches – including their opening World Cup fixture against Peru – this selection landing in each of the last five for the Red-White.
Australia tend to be involved in higher scoring games, but against the Danish defensive wall, I am happy to go against the Socceroos grain here.
It is an odds-on shot at 10/11 with 188BET, but I am happy with the available price on this particular World Cup selection.
Best Bets
Australia v Denmark – Denmark double chance and Under 2.5 Goals (10/11 188BET)
