A Scandinavian derby will open up Group D of the UEFA Nations League this week, with Norway set to host Denmark.

The two nations will face each other in the first game of an extended international soccer break, with the clash scheduled for Friday, September 25, at 04:45 AEST.

If you are new to betting on European soccer, our guide walks through the markets before you back this one.

Quick Picks

Our pick: Norway win

Value bet: BTTS to hit

Long shot: Denmark And Draw

Betting Preview

It will be the first of four games to be played by both nations over the next couple of weeks, with the calendar having been moved.

Norway take to the soccer pitch for the first time since their pretty impressive World Cup campaign this winter, when they were eventually beaten 2-1 by England in the quarter-finals.

Their crowning glory in America, though, was an impressive 2-1 victory against Brazil in the prior round which featured two goals in 11 second-half minutes from Erling Haaland.

And little has changed since. Boss Ståle Solbakken will be able to call upon many of those players once again, with captain Martin Ødegaard and Haaland both selected.

Worryingly for Denmark, Haaland has started the season in fine form for Manchester City this English Premier League season, netting five goals in five matches, while Ødegaard has netted twice for Arsenal.

For Denmark, this will be the first match for Brian Riemer’s side since failing to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Czechia in a penalty shootout in the playoffs.

They did play part of a match against Ukraine, but that had to be abandoned after Christian Eriksen suffered another on-field collapse.

Eriksen hasn’t been called up for medical reasons, while goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has retired. Rasmus Højlund will likely lead the line, and the former Manchester United striker has scored two in five Serie A games for Napoli.

Kasper Høgh has three goals in four matches for Celtic, so could be worth keeping an eye on.

Betting Markets to Watch

Although they haven’t won any of the last seven meetings with Denmark, Norway have been made the favourites to win. That’s a run that stretches back to 2002, although it’s fair to say that the Norwegians are a different nation nowadays.

We saw that with their impressive performances this winter that caught the attention and plaudits of many worldwide.

Denmark will have big players missing too, entering off a poor qualifying campaign, and arguably in a new era, which could see things look a little difficult against a neighbouring nation. Still, they have back-to-back wins in friendlies (2024 and 2013).

For additional value, the BTTS hitting is worth attention. It has hit in six of the last 10 meetings, including the last three. Both teams have goalscorers who have been prolific in front of goal for their clubs, adding to the appeal of this market.

Remember, Haaland can be mostly ineffective in games but still manage to find the back of the net such is his prolific nature when he does get a chance. His scoring rate already invites comparisons with the greatest goalscorers in the game.

By extension, this leaves value in the Over 2.5 Goals market and a Norway 2-1 victory. For more even value, Haaland as an anytime goalscorer is always worth a punt, as the Norwegians will likely look for their star striker as much as possible.

Our Prediction

Check the latest Norway vs Denmark betting odds at Sportsbet.

We think a Norway win is the most likely outcome.

A long shot is Denmark And Draw in the Double Chance; they have a good record against Norway, which could come into play despite the players they have missing.