Reigning champions Portugal have made a strong start to their Nations League defence. They travel to Parken to take on Denmark on Thursday evening.

Denmark without Dorgu as they target back-to-back wins

Brian Riemer will be hoping his team can build on the 2-0 victory over Wales in Copenhagen on Sunday. Denmark were hit by an injury blow in that game, with Patrick Dorgu suffering a hamstring strain, which has forced the wideman to return to his club.

Gustav Isaksen came on for Dorgu last time out and scored. He should therefore feature on the right flank here. The 25-year-old will also be looking to create chances for striker Rasmus Højlund, who has struck 14 times in 37 international appearances.

Major changes aren’t likely elsewhere for what is a key home match for De Rød-Hvide. Experienced duo Morten Hjulmand and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg should team up in midfield, and this will be the latter’s 100th outing for his country.

Denmark predicted lineup vs Portugal (4-2-3-1): F. Jørgensen; Kristensen, Andersen, Provstgaard, Mæhle; Hjulmand, Højbjerg; Isaksen, Froholdt, Damsgaard; Højlund.

Competition heats up in attack for Portugal

New Portugal boss Jorge Jesus opted to start Gonçalo Ramos ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo for the 2-1 win in Norway last weekend. The AC Milan striker rewarded his coach with a goal and could again be preferred to Ronaldo in Denmark.

Bruno Fernandes was rested for that game, but he’s likely to return to the lineup. The midfielder has scored three times and contributed one assist in five Premier League outings for Manchester United this term.

João Félix has scored in each of his team’s two 2026/27 Nations League fixtures to date, and that should ensure he keeps his place. There have been no withdrawals from the initial squad named by Jesus for this international break.

Portugal predicted lineup vs Denmark (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, Félix; Ramos.

Denmark vs Portugal Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Portugal to win or draw
  • Odds: 1.335 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Denmark 1-2 Portugal
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 9YFVR

Key stats:

  • Portugal have won four of the past five meetings between these nations.
  • The Seleção das Quinas have suffered just one defeat in 11 outings in 2026.
  • Denmark have only won two of their past seven completed fixtures.

With players of Fernandes and Vitinha’s calibre able to rotate back in, Portugal are in a strong position heading into this clash. They have more depth than their opponents and, with no major injury problems, will be able to count on a very capable bench.

The visitors have only lost twice in 15 internationals since the start of the 2025/26 season, and one of those setbacks came against eventual champions Spain at the World Cup. They are a safe pick to avoid defeat here against a Denmark side who have won just four times over the same time period.

Denmark vs Portugal Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Over 2.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.74 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: ETGVR

Backing over 2.5 goals offers value at odds of 1.74. Excluding a friendly against Ukraine that was abandoned, seven of Denmark’s previous nine fixtures have finished with three or more goals.

With so much firepower, Portugal will come targeting victory again. They averaged 3.33 goals per game during 2026 World Cup qualifying and are capable of exploiting the home team’s defensive flaws.

Verdict: Portugal to win or draw (1.335) — Denmark 1-2 Portugal