FC Nordsjælland-Esbjerg

Sunday 3/8 17.00

FC Nordsjælland (5th) have three points in the first two matches. The impression has been mixed. Offensively, they have some very skilled players in the likes of wingers Uffe Bech and Joshua John, although they lack a striker in shape. Defensively, they look fragile. The departure of team captain, defensive midfielder Stokholm has surely had a negative impact. The young central defence of Runje and Gregor have committed many mistakes and is in our book one of the weakest central defences in the league. No relevant injury news. Esbjerg (10th) must be having déjà vu feeling. Last autumn Esbjerg were outstanding internationally and progressed from the group stage of Europa League, but with the side effect that Esbjerg hardly could win a league match and actually were beneath the relegation line at the winter break. So far, Esbjerg have earned only one point in two “easy” home matches against Randers and SønderjyskE. At the same time they have spent a lot of energy on Europa League. They just played in Poland on Thursday against Ruch Chorzow (0-0) in a match where Esbjerg rested some of the key players. They should be back here, and Esbjerg might be able to field close to the best eleven for once, unless head coach Frederiksen decides to rest some players for the second leg of the Europa League qualifier. In that case it will probably be the likes of Fellah and Pusic who have been struggling with minor injuries. Both are very important players, so it could have a big effect on the outcome of this match. Esbjerg will be without captain and central midfielder Hans-Henrik Andreasen.

The question is what Esbjerg will bring to this match. If they field the best eleven, FC Nordsjælland will face a tough task. FC Nordsjælland are a strong home team (artificial turf advantage) and should be better prepared physically and mentally. So, with the expectation of Esbjerg fielding less than the strongest team, we pick the home win. But we recommend awaiting more team news.

Idea: 1 – 2.44 at Betfair
 
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