FC Copenhagen-FC Midtjylland

Friday 15/8 18.30

FC Copenhagen (7th) suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in the history of the club when they lost 0-3 at home to Hobro last weekend. What went wrong? It was possibly a combination of underestimation and panic. In total, FC Copenhagen did not look very dangerous in the absence of striker Cornelius. Cornelius is doubtful for this match. FC Copenhagen have lost their strongest central defender Zanka to suspension. Head coach Solbakken was furious after the result and the Copenhagen players will probably not deliver such a poor effort again. However, the starters here might not be the best. A potential player strike starting next week (when FC Copenhagen play an all important Champions League qualifier) means that Solbakken is considering using only players that will not be on strike for the Champions League match, which implies a squad mainly consisting of foreigners and youngsters (and possibly the 4th keeper). FC Midtjylland (2nd) are probably the strongest team in the league currently. Against the solid SønderjyskE they were simply superior and broke down the strong defence. In our opinion FC Midtjylland are currently FC Copenhagen’s main challengers for the title. They have some speedy players that are very skilled in counter attacking (Sisto and Igboun). In the latest H2H in Parken, FC Midtjylland countered their way to a 5-1 victory. For FC Midtjylland, captain and right back Kristian Bak is doubtful (a problem if he is out!), while regular Patrick Banggaard (central defender) and rotation player Rilwan Hassan (offensive midfield) are suspended.

FC Copenhagen will potentially field a B-team. But even if they field the preferred eleven, we still believe FC Midtjylland have a strong match-up against a FC Copenhagen team that is still struggling to find their feet in the league.

Recommendation: 2 (DNB) – 2.67 at Bet365

UPDATE: FC Copenhagen heavily weakened by injuries. Cornelius fit, but new injuries have arrived. Left back Pierre Bengtsson is out, the same is key offensive weapon Nicolai Jørgensen. The preferred alternative for Jørgensen, winger Toutouh is also out. For FC Midtjylland, Kristian Bak has been called up. The same has new signing from Club Brugge, central defender Jim Larsen.