FC Midtjylland-OB

Friday 12/9 18.30

FC Midtjylland (1st) are unstoppable in the league at the moment. Last round’s win against Esbjerg (2-0) was really impressive, since FC Midtjylland dominated the opponent completely despite of injuries for several key players. Now they face a team that we assess is weaker than Esbjerg. FC Midtjylland are still challenged by injuries. Defender and captain Kristian Bak Bach, strikers Morten Duncan and Tim Janssen are out. Furthermore, there is also some uncertainty concerning strong offensive midfielder Petter Andersson, while tall striker Paul Onuachu is suspended. In total, you should believe that FC Midtjylland were in trouble. Not necessarily so since they have an impressive squad depth. Only point of concern is the striker position, where new-signed Costa Rican international Marco Urena is only option. Alternatively, FC Midtjylland will do the Spanish version and play with a midfielder in the striker position. OB (10th) have not impressed until now. They lost some experienced players over the summer, and they have been replaced with cheap average players. Furthermore, the condition of the two key offensive players, Rasmus Falk (injured) and Emil Larsen (out of form) are not exactly improving the situation. Head coach Troels Bech has therefore opted to field a defensive 5-4-1 formation, since it appears to be the only way they can clinch some points. First choice goalkeeper Mads Toppel is doubtful, and alterative Emil Ousager is not a good option. He was the keeper in AGF during their miserable spring, and Ousager did not improve the situation. In our opinion he is too short and lack the necessary reflexes to compensate. OB could be vulnerable on set pieces.

FC Midtjylland have many injuries just like in last round, where they cruised to a 2-0 win against Esbjerg. Against OB, which is a weaker team and also without their best player, they should be able to do the same. FC Midtjylland do lack a proven striker, and OB will attack this match very cautiously so an under bet could also be interesting.

Recommendation: 1 (AH -0.5) – 1.86 at Ladbrokes

Idea: Under 2.5 goals – 2.08 at Betfair

UPDATE: Falk, Toppel and central defender Daniel Høegh out for OB. The latter gives new problems since OB have no other central defenders for their 5-4-1 formation. Possible (but poor) solution is moving young midfielder Mikkel Desler to the defense. This might be done by moving him to the right back position and fielding a 4-5-1 instead! See the predicted line-ups (delivered by us) here: http://leaguespy.com/preview.php?id=37007&a=33624