Denmark - Switzerland predictions and free betting tips [18/05/2024]

Tomorrow afternoon, Group A of the Ice Hockey World Championship will see a clash between Denmark and Switzerland.

Team Denmark

Team Denmark faces significant challenges in the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship due to the absence of several key players. Despite these setbacks, the team occasionally delivers performances reminiscent of their showing at the 2022 Olympics. In the current tournament, Denmark has suffered losses against Canada (1-5), Norway (0-2), and the Czech Republic (4-7). Upcoming matches against Switzerland and Finland offer minimal chances for points. The squad lacks star players, although it does feature some promising talents.

Their level is insufficient to compete with elite teams, as evidenced by three defeats and 15 goals conceded in four matches. Despite these issues, Denmark has managed to secure two victories, scoring 14 goals—a commendable outcome for them. The team excels in counter-attacks, compact defence, and effective play during penalties. Currently, they occupy fifth place in Group A with six points, thanks to victories over Austria (5-1) and Great Britain (4-3). However, defensive problems and poor organisation remain their primary obstacles.

Team Switzerland

Team Switzerland aims to reclaim the top spot in their group at the 2024 World Championship. In the last two tournaments, they won their group but were eliminated in the quarter-finals. This year, the team displays excellent form, securing victories against Norway (5-2), narrowly defeating Austria (6-5), winning against the Czech Republic in a shootout (2-1), and confidently beating Great Britain (3-0). Switzerland holds second place in Group A and prepares for crucial matches against Canada and Finland.

In the 2023 World Championship, the Swiss won six group games, losing only in overtime to Latvia, but fell to Germany in the quarter-finals. The coaching staff has shifted focus this year, prioritising tactics. The team played cautiously against the Czech Republic and displayed solid defence against Great Britain, winning 3-0. With a powerful roster that includes stars like Roman Josi and Nico Hischier, coached by Patrick Fischer, Switzerland shows excellent game organisation, maintains concentration, and utilises counter-attacks effectively, scoring 16 goals and conceding 8 in four matches.

Head-to-Head

On 5 May 2022, during the World Championship, Switzerland trounced Denmark 6-0. On 12 February 2022, at the Olympics, Denmark claimed victory over Switzerland with a score of 5-3. On 23 May 2021, at the World Championship, Switzerland edged out Denmark 1-0. Thus, in the last three encounters, Switzerland has secured two wins, while Denmark has one.

Prediction for Denmark vs Switzerland

Switzerland looks very solid in this World Championship, playing like group favourites, in contrast to Denmark, who barely defeated Great Britain—a team Switzerland beat 3-0. I expect a victory for the nominal visitors with a handicap of (-1.5).