Viborg-Esbjerg preview

Friday 31/7 18.00

Promoted Viborg (9th) got their first point of the season with 0-0 vs. AGF. Viborg are strong in defence; they are not giving many chances away. AGF did not really have any dangerous chances against them and FC Midtjylland also struggled in the opener (scored from a direct free kick and after a corner). Offensively, they are very dependent on the speedy Serge Deble who should be a handful for most Superliga defender. Deble was knocked unconscious in the last match, but is reportedly ready for Friday. Esbjerg (8th) are the opposite of Viborg. They are fairly weak defensively, where they give away many easy goals. This was also the case last weekend against FC Copenhagen, where a defensive and a goalkeeping error were to blame for the two goals conceded. Offensively, they are fairly strong with some energetic strikers in Nicki Bille and Mick van Buren, and a good chance supplier in Mohammed Fellah. Esbjerg will be without central defender Michael Almebäck, who just earned the spot from Daniel Stenderup, so his absence probably won’t change much.

We predict a match where Esbjerg will have the majority of the ball possession, but could struggle in opening up the Viborg defence. Viborg’s offensives forces, the speed of Serge Deble and set pieces, are some of the weak spots of Esbjerg’s defence. Therefore, we would not be surprised to see Esbjerg dominate, but Viborg getting a good result here. Viborg did not lose a home match last season (17 matches) and this will certainly not be a walkover for Esbjerg.

Recommendation: 1 (AH +0.25) – 1.975

UPDATE: Esbjerg have sold solid left back Jonas Knudsen and no obvious alternative is available in the called squad.