AaB-FC Midtjylland

Saturday 26/7 17.00

AaB (5th) got off to a disappointing start with a 0-0 match against SønderjyskE. The performance was very poor; AaB played way too slow and lacked offensive creativity after losing wingers Kasper Kusk (transfer) and Nicolaj Thomsen (injury). AaB only had four shots in the entire match and none of them were on target. They have some fine strikers in Spalvis, Jakobsen and Helenius (although Helenius needs some match practice), but if they don’t have anyone to provide the chances it will be difficult to score. AaB are still expected to be without Nicolaj Thomsen, and captain and central midfielder Rasmus Würtz. This leaves AaB with a midfield with only Risgård remaining from the four that played the most of last season. FC Midtjylland (1st) took an impressive 3-1 win against Brøndby. The win was quite impressive since Brøndby had looked strong in the pre-season matches. FC Midtjylland have a lot of strong offensive weapons, and when key midfielder Petter Andersson left the last match early with an injury, Rilwan Hassan replaced him. Hassan made an outstanding goal and this just shows the impressive offensive squad depth of FC Midtjylland. FC Midtjylland have benefitted from the return of defensive midfielder Izunna who was injured for most of the spring season. In total, FC Midtjylland look almost complete at the moment. Only the injured central defender Erik Sviatchenko could improve the starting eleven. Petter Andersson is doubtful for the match.

It is a match between the two clubs who had an intense battle for the championship title in spring. Since then, AaB have lost some key players, and the replacements are a level or two weaker. On the other hand, FC Midtjylland are improved compared to last season after the return of injured players, and at the moment they look significantly stronger than AaB. AaB do benefit from a strong home support, but apart from this we struggle to see why they should win this match.

Tip of the Week: 2 – 3.15 at Nordicbet

UPDATE: Andersson will start on the bench alongside Poulsen who has been a regular. Instead new signing Sparv enters along with Hassan.