FC Nordsjælland-Randers

Friday 20/2 18.30
FC Nordsjælland (5th) have made several changes over the winter break. They have lost valuable players in Anders Christiansen, Søren Christensen and Kasper Lorentzen, three players who have played a big part in FC Nordsjælland’s success over the recent years. Two Icelandic players (Baldvinsson and Thorarainson) and a Dutch player (Mulder) have replaced them. Although the new players have received nice remarks for their efforts in the pre-season matches, it is undoubtedly a big task to replace three players of such significance. Adding to this, FC Nordsjælland’s star player, the winger Uffe Bech (seven goals in autumn) has not played a part in recent friendlies due to an injury. He is a doubtful for this opening match, and it will surely be a disadvantage if he is absent. Randers (3rd) had a quiet transfer window, where Swedish midfielder Joel Allanson is only new signing. Randers had a fantastic autumn, so it will be difficult for Allanson to find a spot in the starting eleven. For the first match, Randers have some challenges. Central defender Mads Agesen and top goalscorer Mikael Ishak (five goals in autumn) are both suspended. Randers have decent alternatives in Jeppe Tverskov and Nicolaj Brock-Madsen (or even Djiby Fall), so it is not the worst absences. The injury situation of strong right back Johnny Thomsen is more concerning. Thomsen is a major doubt for this match, and Randers would surely miss his offensive raids. Alternatives are sparse, the young and unproven Mikkel Kallesøe or using a left back at the right back seems to be the possibilities.

Both teams have some issues before this match, but FC Nordsjælland seems to have the most challenging starting point. Replacing two central midfielders and a striker is not easy, and some matches might be needed to get the team up to work optimally. Randers also have some absences, but their strong area, the midfield, is complete. This should be a fairly even match, and thus value should be on Randers.

Recommendation: 2 (DNB) – 2.26 at Unibet (put 70.6% on Randers (3.20) and 29.4% on draw (3.40))

Update: Uffe Bech is confirmed out for FC Nordsjælland, while Johnny Thomsen should be back for Randers. Good news for our bet.