Esbjerg-Randers

Thursday 19/4 17.00

Esbjerg (5th) are the team that have earned the most points in spring (17 points in 8 matches – tied with AaB). Esbjerg have also been the best team in all of the matches except from one: the last one (1-0 win at FC Nordsjælland). Esbjerg were unable to connect passes for most of the match and it was obvious that they are suffering from the absence of strong striker Martin Pusic. Pusic is probably out for this game as well. Another key Esbjerg player, winger Jakob Ankersen, is also very doubtful for this match after leaving the last match early with a hip injury. Without this duo Esbjerg look more like an ordinary team. Esbjerg will welcome back the return of strong left back Jonas Knudsen. Randers (8th) have been looking good in 2014 but have had problems earning points, mainly due to the absence of strong striker Ronnie Schwartz. Schwartz is now back and he has celebrated this by scoring in the last two matches with Randers winning at the same time. So it is a Randers team with renewed confidence and some distance to the relegation spots that arrive in Esbjerg on Thursday. Esbjerg have struggled to cope with Randers in this season (lost both H2H’s) and it is especially the very physical approach that have given problems. Randers will probably be without right back Johnny Thomsen, but he is the only regular that is not fit.

Momentum are pointing in each direction for the two teams. Esbjerg should be favourites based on their good performances in 2014, but based on the poor performance last weekend and the poor record against Randers, they could easily drop points here. We expect Randers to earn a point here like they have done in 10 out of 12 away matches!

Recommendation: 2 (AH +0.5) – 1.95 at Bet365

UPDATE: Esbjerg's brilliant right back Peter Ankersen is suspended for this match. An important absentee since he is probably the best right back in the league (first choice for national team + has already signed a summer contract with Red Bull Salzburg). Pusic is out!