Esbjerg-FC Midtjylland

Monday 28/4 19.00

Esbjerg (5th) have been one of the best teams of 2014, but in the past few matches it seems like Esbjerg have been on the retreat. A lucky win at FC Nordsjælland and a lucky draw at FC Copenhagen are among the latest achievements. Esbjerg have lacked offensive firepower in the absence of striker Martin Pusic. Pusic returned last weekend but was nowhere near his previous form. Maybe a week of training will help. Furthermore Esbjerg have not been able to keep up their energetic style. A week of recuperation should definitely help. A significant problem awaits Esbjerg and that is the absence of winger Jakob Ankersen (suspension). Ankersen is the top goalscorer of Esbjerg (eight goals) despite playing right wing. He is very important for Esbjerg’s offence. Alternative Jesper Rasmussen is far from the level of Ankersen. FC Midtjylland (2nd) have rebounded after a minor dip in form with two victories with a total of 9-2. Admittedly, it was against the two worst teams of the league currently (Viborg and AGF), but FC Midtjylland still displayed how strong they are offensively, when the best players are available. Particularly midfielder Petter Andersson is proving his great vision with four goals in these matches. Defensively FC Midtjylland still have some issues. The absences of midfielder Izunna and defender Sviatchenko are naturally increasing the defensive vulnerability, but with Esbjerg without Jakob Ankersen and a Martin Pusic in top form, it is probably not the worst day to visit Western Jutland.

Esbjerg have looked on the decline. A week of resting might have helped, but we still feel that FC Midtjylland should be slight favourites for this match-up. Just look at the odds in OB-AaB, a match between two teams of similar relative strength. It is especially the Ankersen absence that adds weight to FC Midtjylland’s advantage.

Recommendation: 2 (AH +0)  – 1.92 at Bet365