FC Midtjylland-OB

Saturday 12/4 17.00

FC Midtjylland (2nd) dropped the first place after a thrilling defeat against AaB (2-3). With eight games left, FC Midtjylland have plenty of time to take the spot back, but the question is whether the team is strong enough. It was highly evident that the absence of central defender Erik Sviatchenko and defensive midfielder Izunna were vital. The important duo is out for the season, so FC Midtjylland will have to find a solution. To make matters worse, FC Midtjylland will be without (suspended) right back Kristian Bak Nielsen (captain) and winger Sylvester Igboun. Two important absences! Nielsen brings a lot of energy to the team, while Igboun was splendid against AaB. Afriyie, a trustworthy veteran, and Pione Sisto, a skilled but unstable youngster, will probably cover the positions. OB’s (7th) results are a random walk. They only get draws against weaker teams like Viborg and SønderjyskE, but they are also capable of beating a difficult team like Brøndby away. OB are improving though. The tremendous trio of Baskhim Kadrii, Rasmus Falk, and Emil Larsen are finally united with the return of Kadrii after a long-term injury. Kadrii got the last 15 minutes against Viborg and managed to get two good scoring possibilities. He will be a force, but question is whether coach Bech will dare putting him in the starting line-up here. We hope so! Defensively OB should be concerned. The central defence of Anders Møller Christensen and Kasper Larsen is not spectacular and only a high saving percentage of the OB goalkeepers have kept them alive in many matches. OB have not lost in the last four matches.

With a fully fit squad, FC Midtjylland should have been clear favourites for this match, but without four key players they will not win this match easily. In fact we believe that the most value is in the draw at Mermaidbet at tremendous odds 3.80. A BTTS (Both Teams To Score) also seems interesting when having the recent poor defensive displays of both teams in mind.

Recommendation: X – 3.80 at Mermaidbet

Idea: BTTS – 1.70 at Nordicbet

UPDATE: FCM's top goalscorer, Morten Duncan Rasmussen is injured and not playing. A weakening offensively, should add value to the draw bet.