FC Vestsjælland-FC Copenhagen

Thursday 19/4 19.00

FC Vestsjælland (9th) were on the way to getting nicknamed “the masters of parking the bus”, but a late allowed (own) goal against SønderjyskE showed that they are not perfect in this art. But they are good: if you look at the last seven matches they have only allowed four goals. Not bad for a team struggling to fight off relegation. But the strategy is obvious: defend, defend, defend. No unnecessary risks are taken and balls are rather kicked away than attempting a risky pass. The strategy is also a necessity since FC Vestsjælland are suffering from the absence of several injured strikers (Ofere, Tshibamba and Thiago (in squad but not fully fit)). FC Copenhagen (3rd) are just three points from the silver medals. This despite them playing very poor football. They are clearly not brimming with confidence at the moment and against the horrendous (sorry!) AGF, they had a tough time just finding the net (1-0 after a goal in the 84th minute). FC Copenhagen are very dependent of the creative Nicolai Jørgensen and his absence is clearly affecting the teams offensive capabilities. As the best alternative, Youssef Toutouh at the same time is injured, FC Copenhagen are offensively playing like headless chickens. The expensively bought striker Andreas Cornelius is far from his old form and the offense of FC Copenhagen is not at all dangerous, scoring an average of exactly one goal per match in 2014. FC Copenhagen are without central defender Oluf Mellberg.

We expect FC Vestsjælland to go in defense mode and FC Copenhagen to struggle in the attempt to break down the wall of 10 FC Vestsjælland defenders. A low-scoring affair is in the cards and statistics are supportive: in 2014 both teams have played six out of eight matches under 2.5 goals and the last two H2H’s were under 2.5 goals.

Tip of the Week: Under 2.5 goals – 1.90 at Tipico