Esbjerg-SønderjyskE

Wednesday 7/5 18.00

Esbjerg (5th) got a huge win against AaB (2-0). They are still contending for the 5th place that will grant them a tour in Europe next season. Striker Martin Pusic ended his scoring drought. He is however still not the same person who started this spring by being a dominant target man. His collaboration with his partner the speedy Mushaga Bakenga still needs some work, but the SønderjyskE defence is slow and this could spell trouble. Through balls between the two defenders will be the way to go. Midfielder-turned-winger Jeppe Andersen is out just like winger Mohammed Fellah (also out last match). The replacement for Andersen will most likely be Casper Nielsen. SønderjyskE (10th) finally climbed above the relegation line after a win last week against Viborg (1-0). Now they are going to Esbjerg, a team that SønderjyskE historically have had the upper hand against. In the last five matches SønderjyskE have left the pitch with three points on four of those occasions. Unfortunately for SønderjyskE left back Daniel Christensen is suspended which could open the pitch for the Ankersen twins on Esbjerg’s right flank. Strikers Rubin Okotie, and Tommy Bechmann and winger Johan Absalonsen have not practiced this week but all have been called up to the squad. Coach Lars Søndergard may be gambling with his star players' health. A do-or-die match in Aarhus is next in the schedule. A win there could mean that they will stay in the Superliga.

What coach Søndergaard will do is hard to predict. He might just throw away this game and start with reserves so that players like Bechmann, Absalonsen and Okotie are at 100% when the visit Aarhus this Sunday. To make things worse players like Okotie, midfielder Adama Guira, back/winger Bjørn Paulsen and back Hallgrimur Jonasson are all in danger of suspension if they get booked. Nonetheless Esbjerg are still favourites. Andersen will be missed but Nielsen is an okay replacement. We would urge you not to bet until the line-ups are available.

Idea: 1 (AH -1) - 2.08 at Bet365