FC Copenhagen-Esbjerg

Monday 21/4 19.00

FC Copenhagen (3rd) have won three matches in a row, but it has been against the league’s poorer teams (FC Vestsjælland, AGF and SønderjyskE). FC Copenhagen have won the matches fairly, but by no means dominated the matches as you should expect. FC Copenhagen are nothing more than average team currently. Without the two creative midfielders, Nicolai Jørgensen and Youssef Toutouh, FC Copenhagen are without bite offensively. At the same time the veteran central defender, Oluf Mellberg is injured and the alternative Georg Margreitter has not been convincing. Coach Solbakken is obviously frustrated, but we doubt he can do anything about it now. FC Copenhagen will have to wait to the transfer window to improve the squad. Esbjerg (5th) looked a bit tired against Randers after a strong start (2-2). With four days between these matches they should be fit for fight though. Esbjerg were strong in the beginning of 2014, but have since lost some quality. Or the answer is probably the strong striker, Martin Pusic, who got injured four matches ago (roughly the same time Esbjerg started to look human). Pusic is a very probable return for this match, and while he will not be able to play 90 minutes, his strength will open new offensive possibilities for Esbjerg. Strong right back Peter Ankersen returns from suspension. Bad news is the possible absence of Esbjerg’s goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Dubravka has a minor injury and is doubtful. Second choice, Jonas Jensen, has done well in his last club Skive, but that was in the Danish 1st Division. We are not convinced he has the level for Superliga. Esbjerg have not lost in the last four H2H’s (three draws and one win).

FC Copenhagen are not looking like a monster right now. In the last match against Vestsjælland they had only two shots on target, where one of them was from the penalty they scored upon. They are just an average team currently and against a energetic team like Esbjerg, they could easily get into trouble. This match is much more equal than the bookies believe. We pick Esbjerg to win, draw no bet.

Recommendation: 2 (DNB) – 3.67 at Bet365 (bet 73.3% on away win at odds 5.00 and 26.7% on draw at odds 3.75)