FC Vestsjælland-Randers

Friday 7/3 18.30

FC Vestsjælland (11th) made a good response after a 0-4 loss (vs. SønderjyskE) in the first match of 2014 by limiting the strong home team, AaB, to a 0-0 draw. FC Vestsjælland did not create any big chances themselves, but neither did AaB and that seemed to be the top priority after a dismal defensive performance previously. The lack of offensive danger is a problem though. The new striker Edward Ofere does not seem like the solution. He is tall, but neither his strength nor ball control is impressive. FC Vestsjælland should give their veteran top scorer Dennis Sørensen another chance in the starting line-up. It will probably not be on the behalf of Ofere but instead because of suspensions and injuries. FC Vestsjælland are surely without winger Rasmus Festersen and central midfielder Henrik Madsen (captain). Furthermore winger Dal Hende is suffering from an injury. Our guess is a return of Dennis Sørensen and Marc Rochester on the wings, while Jan Kristiansen will probably cover the central midfield. Festersen and Madsen are important players so it is naturally a weakening. Randers (9th) are feeling hard done after a late 0-1 loss against Brøndby. Not only did they strike the woodwork twice, they suffered the defeat due to a doubtful penalty as well. Randers did very well though and deserved the win after a physical display. This type of physical superiority will probably not be the case against equally strong FC Vestsjælland. Randers are also having lots of squad problems ahead of this match. Left back Alexander Fischer, who is normally the reserve for the injured Tamboura (very doubtful), is suspended along with central midfielder Christian Keller (captain). Furthermore several players are injured: top scorer Schwartz is surely out, other striker Brock-Madsen highly doubtful and the same goes for right back Johnny Thomsen. The problem is especially defensively where the line of back-ups is limited. Offensively Randers will probably introduce striker Djiby Fall and winger Jonas Kamper (move the creative Fisker to the centre). Both potentially key players, but they have just returned from injury so their fitness level is questionable.

FC Vestsjælland have some strong wing backs in Lumb and Nymann and they might have a very good match-up. Nevertheless FC Vestsjælland look a bit fragile with all their absentees and it will be interesting to see if they can cope without Festersen and Madsen. None of the teams have been very sharp so far in 2014 (total: 4 games and only 1 goal). It looks like a physical match where a low scoring draw is a likely outcome. We hold FC Vestsjælland as slight favourites (the bookies agree).

Ideas: X - 3.40 at Unibet

Under 2.5 goals – 1.80 at Tipico