Thursday’s Euro 2024 Qualifying Predictions: Denmark ready for comfortable win

International football returns for the first time since the World Cup with the highlight being England’s Euro 2024 qualifying clash against Italy. 

That is one of eight matches set to take place across the continent on Thursday, and football expert Greg Lea has recommended bets for five of them below.

Bosnia-Herzegovina v Iceland

Kick-off: 7.45pm Thursday 

Iceland’s golden generation now belongs to history and it could be a while before the Nordic nation competes at another major tournament. That is proven by the fact that Iceland fell well short in World Cup 2022 qualification - they finished fifth out of sixth after failing to win eight of their 10 matches.

Bosnia-Herzegovina also endured a disappointing campaign in their attempt to qualify for Qatar, but a home game against Iceland gives them a good chance to get their current cycle off to the perfect start.

Bosnia-Herzegovina recently won promotion to League A of the Nations League and will be looking to carry some of that momentum into the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Prediction: Bosnia-Herzegovina to win @ 1.9 

Denmark v Finland 

Kick-off: 7.45pm Thursday 

Denmark were one of the biggest disappointments at the World Cup at the end of last year. Having been tipped as potential dark horses pre-tournament, Kasper Hjulmand’s side was eliminated in the group phase after taking just one point from meetings with Tunisia, France and Australia. 

Denmark: Will play Finland in their first game of Euro 2024 Qualifying

Nevertheless, Denmark qualified for the World Cup in style and they should have little trouble booking their spot at the next edition of the European Championship, which will again feature 24 teams. 

An attack-minded side with plenty of quality in forward areas, Denmark should prove too strong for Finland on Thursday.

Prediction: Denmark to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 2.22 

North Macedonia v Malta 

Kick-off: 7.45pm Thursday 

North Macedonia made history when they qualified for Euro 2020, and they will now be aiming to book their place at a second major tournament as an independent nation. They have been handed a very tricky draw, however. 

North Macedonia must face Italy and England - the finalists from the last European Championship - as well as a decent Ukrainian side.

In fact, Malta are the only side in Group C that Blagoja Milevski’s squad will be fancied to beat. A convincing win here would at least set North Macedonia up well for the stiffer challenges that lie ahead - back them to come out on top without conceding.

Prediction: North Macedonia to win to nil @ 2 

Portugal v Liechtenstein 

Kick-off: 7.45pm Thursday

The Roberto Martinez era begins on Thursday as Portugal host Lichtenstein in what should be a very gentle start for the Spaniard. Opinion is divided on whether Martinez did a good job during his time at the helm of Belgium, but even the manager’s biggest critics cannot deny that the Red Devils were very effective in attack for the majority of his tenure. 

We should see something similar with Portugal, particularly in matches like this. The Selecao possess an abundance of talent up top, although it will be interesting to see how Martinez handles Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Portugal could start quickly on Thursday before easing off after the break, which is why the suggested bet looks appealing.

Prediction: First-half highest scoring @ 3.1 

San Marino v Northern Ireland 

Kick-off: 7.45pm Thursday 

Michael O’Neill is back in charge of Northern Ireland after previously managing his country between 2011 and 2020. 

The former midfielder memorably led the team to the last 16 of Euro 2016, and their group for the current campaign, which contains Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan and San Marino, looks reasonably open. 

However, Northern Ireland are not exactly a free-scoring side and, while they should pick up a win on Thursday, it is unlikely to be by a huge margin.

Prediction: San Marino +2.5 Asian handicap @ 2 

Thursday’s Euro 2024 Qualifying Predictions

Bosnia-Herzegovina v Iceland: Bosnia-Herzegovina to win @ 1.9
Denmark v Finland: Denmark to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 2.22
North Macedonia v Malta: North Macedonia to win to nil @ 2
Portugal v Liechtenstein: First-half highest scoring @ 3.1
San Marino v Northern Ireland: San Marino +2.5 Asian handicap @ 2