Kosovo vs Denmark Predictions

The likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Kasper Dolberg and Yussuf Poulsen have all been called up to the most recent squad by manager Åge Hareide. The Norwegian has been in the job since 2016 and has lead his team to some great results over the past year. They have beaten Mexico (2-0), Austria (2-0) and Wales twice (2-1, 2-0) with their most notable result being their 0-0 draw in the World Cup with the eventual winners France. Their dominant midfield has allowed them to be so formidable over the last twelve months, with just one defeat in 90 minutes. They are spoilt for choice at defensive-mid with Thomas Delaney, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Lasse Schöne all putting in great performances for the Tin Soldiers recently. 

Their quality of personnel also stretches into their defence which has kept ten clean sheets in its last 14 games. Such a strong back-line has allowed their forward players to flourish, Christian Eriksen being the heartbeat of this team with seven key passes and 76 touches per match in the three Nations League games he played. Denmark won their group and were promoted to League A so there is a great feel-good factor around the nation at the moment, with a real sense of belief over what this team could achieve. 

Kosovo currently sit 130th in the FIFA World Rankings, 120 places behind Denmark, but after they won their Nations League group without losing a match, positivity has finally been injected into this team. They are actually unbeaten in their last ten games with Bernard Challandes really enjoying his start to life as Kosovo manager. The level of opposition faced in this run of results was far below Denmark’s quality but they will hope that their good form and exciting squad can do the business in this friendly. 

Despite Kosovo still being a bit of a ‘second choice’ when it comes to players’ national team allegiance, they have a pretty solid squad to pick from. One of the more notable talents is Bersant Celina, who scored against Manchester City in Swansea’s recent 3-2 defeat in the FA Cup. He has been in great form with five goals and four assists in the league and will be a key player to watch out for. Another interesting player is Arbër Zeneli. The attacking midfielder currently plays for Reims who are 5th in Ligue 1 and he has already scored and assisted twice in his seven games since joining in January. He has made 13 key passes, 21 successful dribbles and fired off 14 shots in his last five games and will be a thorn in Denmark’s side. Kosovo’s last match was a 4-0 win over Azerbaijan in November and Zeneli bagged a hat trick. 

Kosovo are currently a very exciting side with much to look forward to in terms of the Nations League play-offs and their upcoming European Championship qualifiers but Denmark are a quality side and should get the win here. However, Kosovo have won their last six home games in style and we’re going to back them to score here, with Denmark potentially showing complacency in this friendly. Arbër Zeneli and Bersant Celina have both been in fine form and should cause trouble for the Danish back line. We’re still going to back a 3-1 win for Denmark though, given their good form and 10th place world standing.