FC Vestsjælland-OB

Friday 25/7 18.30

FC Vestsjælland (9th) suffered a devastating defeat against FC Nordsjælland where they threw away a 2-0 lead. Under the old coach, Ove Pedersen they were very strong at closing down a match which they led. The style of the new coach, Michael Hansen is more offensive and in this case it ended up costing. However, FC Vestsjælland looked strong for a large part of the match, and they are at least on the same level as last year. They do miss the offensive raids of the injured left wingback Michael Lumb, but other than that they are close to their best. OB (10th) could be facing a long season if the level they showed last weekend is their true level. Losing 1-2 at home to Hobro, the team rated the poorest in the league. They lack a quality striker. The only one they have, Darko Bodul, is ridiculously bad and his actions on the pitch look more like something that belongs in a circus (sorry!). The two OB profiles, the wingers Rasmus Falk and Emil Larsen, were unfocused and far from their best last weekend. Maybe this is not a coincidence, since several OB players are rumoured to leave the cash strapped club. OB will be without left back Diarra. This will create some changes. Central midfielder Skulason will cover the left back, while Busuladzic, Desler or O’Brien will enter in the central midfield. This should bring more power from the left side, but will weaken the centre. The last 3 H2H’s ended in two FC Vestsjælland wins and one draw, so FC Vestsjælland have the upper hand.

OB will have to rely on the mood of Larsen and Falk. Based on the last match, the mood is not at a high point right now, and we believe OB face a tough match against a solid FC Vestsjælland team that will deliver a powerful effort as always. The odds for home win has dropped remarkably since the market opened, but we believe FC Vestsjælland should be favourites, so still some value left.

To see the expected line-ups, injury information and more (Superligabets deliver the data), go to http://leaguespy.com/preview.php?id=34652&a=33624

Recommendation: 1 (DNB) – 1.95 at Ladbrokes