AGF-Randers

Saturday 5/10 17.00

A lot of money is at stake for the two clubs since prize money are handed out after this round. The difference between 3rd and 11th position is more than four million DKK (more than 0.5 million €). Whether this will have an influence is not easy to evaluate, but if anything it would make the players more cautious. Randers (8th) have been underperforming this season. They got a squad with a lot of quality, but they have yet failed to impress. Lately they have been on a losing streak, losing four out of the last five matches (cup included). In the last match against FC Nordsjælland (0-1) they were good on the ball, but failed to create any clear-cut chance. To make matters worse, Randers will be without their suspended top scorer Ronnie Schwartz, while alternative Djiby Fall is doubtful. This means that Randers will probably line-up with the striking duo of Brock-Madsen and Lundberg. It is not terrible, but not very dangerous either. Crucial midfielder Bjarnason limped off the field last weekend, but nothing has been reported so we expect him to return. The only positive: left back Adama Tamboura returns from suspension. As we have stated before, we regard him the best left back in the league, so it is really an improvement compared to the old (and too slow) Chris Sørensen. AGF (5th) have been poor in recent matches. 0-0 in Aalborg last weekend was okay, but as Randers, AGF failed to create a single clear-cut chance. It is obvious that the team needs some confidence, which could give them some momentum. Their offensive players are actually quite good, midfielders Sloth and Akharraz are technically strong, while striker Søren Larsen is probably the most efficient in the league. Defensively they look a bit vulnerable with the injuries for backs Adam Eckersley and Alexander Juel Andersen, while the right partner for Anders Kure in the central defence is still not found. Like in Aalborg we expect AGF to have the poor condition of their defence in mind and therefore play cautious. The important match-ups in the match will be the battle for the central midfield where AGF with their extra central midfielder (in their 4-5-1) should dominate Randers’ (4-4-2). Randers will look to take advantage of the wings where the match-ups Borring vs. Sorin/Oduro and Kamper vs. Kirkeskov looks promising for Randers.

As we stated earlier: a lot is at stake because the difference between the positions are incredibly slim. With the squad problems for both teams we expect both to take a cautious approach. Our prediction is a low-scoring match that ends in a draw.

Recommendation: X – 3.40 Bet365

Idea: Under 2.5 – 1.93 Betfair

Remember that you can use our link to get a 350 DKK free bet (and maybe use it on this match).

UPDATE: Fall and Bjarnason have been called up for Randers, where especially the latter is important. Fall is not in top form, so we are not expecting to see him in the starting line-up. No surprises in the AGF squad. We still find value in the draw.