Brøndby-AaB

Sunday 23/2 19.00

Brøndby (4th) first matches could decide whether they are to play for medals or survival. Right now they are stuck somewhere in between. Brøndby had a quiet transfer window, where Paraguayan international Nuñez where the only addition of interest. Nuñez is an offensive player, but he will probably have to work his way into the starting line-up since Brøndby are pretty robust in that area. Whether they are robust in defence will be tested on Sunday, since all of their favoured players in the backline will be absent with either injuries or suspensions. So instead of a backline of: Durmisi, Boulahrouz, Albrechtsen and Almebäck; they will have to manage with: Silva, Dumic, Stenderup and Holst. On paper it is not terrible, but changing your entire backline should not enhance quality. On a positive note is the good fitness shown by striker Zohore in recent friendlies. Preferred striker Makienok has also scored, but has so far failed to play full matches, and we doubt seeing him change that on Sunday. AaB (2nd) are the overlooked team in the title race. The main reason can be found in the transfer window, where they failed to add a single player, while selling their defensive backbone Lasse Nielsen to NEC Nijmegen. Thelander is set to cover his position and is a good defender, but Nielsen has really been key in several seasons (splendid signing by NEC). Otherwise AaB are struggling with injuries to several regulars: right back Dalsgaard and strikers Jönsson and Jacobsen. AaB are hoping all three will be fit, otherwise they will look harmless upfront with the duo of youngster Spalvis (made two goals in latest friendly though) and winger Due as the expected solution. AaB will like always be relying on their strong midfield and it seems fit - highlighted by Kusk’s splendid goal against IFK Göteborg.

Two teams that probably have to cope with several reserves in the line-up is typically not something that increases the risk taken. We suspect the match will be intense but mostly a war of position. It could easily end in a draw.

Idea: X – 3.40 at Unibet

Team info:

Brøndby:

Autumn:

Position: 4th

Points: 25

SoTR: 56,65% (4th)

PDO: 950

Important transfers:

In:
Ariel Nuñez (Libertad)

Out:

-

Typical line-up in autumn:

Hradecky; Durmisi, Albrechtsen, Dumic, Holst; Szymanowski, Ørnskov, Phiri, Thygesen; Antipas; Makienok

Expected line-up in spring:

Hradecky; Durmisi, Albrechtsen, Boulahrouz, Almebäck; Szymanowski, Ørnskov, Phiri, Hasani; Kahlenberg; Makienok

AaB:

Autumn:

Position: 2nd

Points: 32

SoTR: 53,98% (4th)

PDO: 1090

Important transfers:

In:
Jeppe Curth (returns from loan, FC Midtjylland)

Out:

Lasse Nielsen (NEC Nijmegen)

Typical line-up in autumn:

Larsen; Ahlmann, Nielsen, Petersen, Dalsgaard; Thomsen, Risgård, Würtz, Kusk; Jönsson, Jacobsen

Expected line-up in spring:

Larsen; Ahlmann, Thelander, Petersen, Dalsgaard; Thomsen, Risgård, Würtz, Kusk; Jönsson, Jacobsen