FC Vestsjælland-FC Copenhagen

Saturday 2/8 15.00

FC Vestsjælland (4th) played an outstanding game last weekend (3-1 against OB). They had OB on the heels for the entire first half and the win could easily have been bigger. New head coach, Michael Hansen, is practising a more offensive approach than his predecessor, and it clearly adds offensively. The only issue is the destabilizing effect it has on the FC Vestsjælland defence that was so solid last season. The defence has looked unconvincing in the first two matches of the season, allowing some stupid goals. FC Vestsjælland are expected to be without striker Tshibamba and left back Lumb, but these are not new injuries. Offensive midfielder Dal Hende is doubtful. FC Copenhagen (3rd) have added a lot of new players, and while the pre-season friendlies and the first match against Silkeborg showed signs of teething problems, the past two matches have indicated better days for FC Copenhagen. Last weekend’s win against 2-1 against FC Nordsjælland could easily have been bigger, while the 0-0 against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in Ukraine this Wednesday showed that the defence is rock solid (the goal against FC Nordsjælland was only due to a late (and very huge) mistake by goalkeeper Andersen). FC Copenhagen do undoubtedly have enough talent in the squad to win the league. It is just a question of when the engine really starts! FC Copenhagen will be without injured winger Gislason. Swedish international central defender Mikael Antonsson has just been added to the squad during the week and he could get his (comeback) debut here.

FC Vestsjælland deserve credit for their win last weekend, but it was really an easy win due to the poor state of OB. Against a stronger opponent like FC Copenhagen, FC Vestsjælland’s unspectacular attack of Festersen and Sørensen will find scoring more difficult. FC Copenhagen should take a win here. Home field advantage is not important, as FC Copenhagen will have strong support. The main risk is the effect of playing in Ukraine just three days prior, but the squad should be fit (and there are strong alternatives on the bench if some rotation is necessary). Under 2.5 goals is also interesting. Alternatively FC Copenhagen winning to nil.

Recommendation: 2 (AH -0.5) – 2.00 at Bet365

Idea: Under 2.5 goals – 1.91 at Betsafe