AaB-Esbjerg

Saturday 16/8 18.00

AaB (5th) suffered last weekend from the absence of several key players (lost 1-2 at home to FC Nordsjælland). While left back Jakob Ahlmann and striker Lukas Spalvis will be out for a long time, the same is not the case for midfielders Rasmus Würtz and Nicolaj Thomsen. Both should return to the starting line-up here after being rested last weekend. They are an integral part of the strong AaB midfield. Offensively, AaB look fine with the in-shape Anders K. Jacobsen and Nicklas Helenius who is improving for every match. The only issue is the left back, where the young alternative Blåbjerg does okay defensively, but he surely lacks something offensively. Esbjerg (10th) have had a disappointing start to the season, mostly due to being very unlucky. However, in the last match against Silkeborg it looked like Esbjerg were affected mentally. The display was quite unsatisfactory with many poor passes. Esbjerg are very dependent on the form of striker Martin Pusic. He left the last match with an injury and is therefore doubtful here. The defence of Esbjerg is quite strong and new player Gomes is a real ball-winner.

The two best teams of the spring 2014 have not started out strong in autumn. AaB have the best team here, especially if Esbjerg are without striker Pusic. However Esbjerg are not easily beaten why we prefer the draw. The most interesting bet here is probably Under 2.5 goals. Neither Esbjerg nor AaB are on fire offensively right now.

Ideas: X – 3.50 at Mermaidbet

Under 2.5 goals – 2.10 at Tipico

UPDATE: Central defender Rasmus Thelander and midfielder Nicolaj Thomsen are out for AaB. Both important players. For Esbjerg, regular central defender Michael Jakobsen is absent. Here is a free access to the expected line-ups and listing of all absences:
http://leaguespy.com/preview.php?id=35598&a=33624