AaB-FC Copenhagen

Saturday 13/9 20.35

AaB (7th) are not exactly in the shape that made them champions last season. This can to a large degree be explained by a series of injuries for key players. The situation looks much better right now with left back Jakob Ahlmann being the only injured player who would go straight into the starting eleven. The improved injury situation should also mean that AaB will start to dominate matches. So far, AaB have not been impressive in the league and it has seemed like the most energy has been used on European matches. However, a match against FC Copenhagen will surely motivate the home side, and we could expect to see a very aggressive AaB side. Strong central defender Rasmus Thelander returns to the starting eleven after being sidelined due to a possible transfer in the last match. FC Copenhagen (6th) have not been much better than AaB. For them it is also a matter of injuries combined with a lack of continuity due to the many new players that have arrived during the summer window. FC Copenhagen have a very strong squad, but they are still struggling with injuries. Key midfielder Nicolai Jørgensen, speedy winger Danny Amankwaa, striker Steve de Ridder and the versatile Bashkim Kadrii are all doubtful for this match. This is a lot of the creativity of FC Copenhagen. They have just signed winger Alexander Kacaniklic from Fulham and he could be a strong addition but question is whether he will be a benefit from day one.

In our opinion this could be a very even match. But we take note of AaB’s better injury situation and the strong H2H record when playing at home against FC Copenhagen. AaB always appear to step up when they meet FC Copenhagen at home. Therefore we would suggest taking the home win here.

Recommendation: 1 – 2.96 at Betfair

UPDATE: AaB without strong right back Patrick Kristensen, but Henrik Dalsgaard should be a fine alternative (was first choice before he got injured in spring). FC Copenhagen will be without de Ridder, Kadrii and right back Høgli. The lack of a right back gives extra problems since only other true right back, Remmer is injured. This will probably lead to central midfielder Amartey being used in the defense. He is strong no matter where he plays, but FC Copenhagen will certainly miss his ball-winning abilities in midfield. Doubtful players Amankwaa and Jørgensen have been called up, and we expect that Amankwaa could be in the starting line-up here.