Euro 2016 qualifiers: Portugal need just a point from Denmark duel

Portugal require only a draw (5/2 with Coral) against upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying opponents Denmark to automatically qualify from Pool I, but a home win, which is odds-on at 8/11 to occur, would see the Iberians cement top spot.

Past and present encounters certainly favour victory for the Portuguese, and punters can grab a great value 9/2 price for a repeat of the previous 1-0 result in the reverse, when captain Cristiano Ronaldo struck in Copenhagen.

The Navigators have been sunk by the Scandinavians on just three of the last 14 occasions, but current form is far more important than history.

Former full back Fernando Santos has been in charge of Portugal for just over a year now and has successfully, if not spectacularly, steadied the ship, overseeing five clean sheets (evens to happen again here) and as many 1-0 scorelines.

Superstar and skipper Ronaldo is obviously key and, after breaking Raul Gonzalez’s all-time Real Madrid scorer record, the marksman will be keen to crown that achievement with Euro 2016 qualification. The Group I leading goal machine has grabbed five of Portugal’s eight so far, and is 14/5 to notch first and prove deadly against the Danes again.

Alternatively, Monaco magician Bernardo Silva and nimble winger Nani, are respective shouts at 6/1 and 11/5 to score last or anytime.

The Danes are not as decisive in front of net as their Navigators counterparts, and have failed to be on target for their past two tussles.

Unlikely at 19/4 to take all three points, as Denmark have endured a six game stretch without a win on the road, perhaps the best bet would be to back the Nordic nation at 13/4 for a fourth successive shut-out.

Ever honest, ex-Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner also chipped in with his thoughts on Denmark’s goal drought. The Wolfsburg forward said: “We must be honest and say we have not created enough chances. In the Armenia game, we only had one shot on goal in the entire second half. That’s not good enough.

“The positive is that we’ve kept a clean sheet in the last three games. We’ve done our job defensively. Now it’s time to get offensive.”

Bendtner is 14/5 to bag a goal anytime, while Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen is a terrific 12/1 to have the final say, as the Scandinavians strive for second spot, despite being already assured of a play-off chance.

Betting tip: Back Portugal @ 9/2 to win 1-0 and squeeze past stingy Denmark