FC Midtjylland-Esbjerg

Sunday 8/3 17.00

FC Midtjylland (1st) got a 1-1 result in Brøndby last weekend. In the end, FC Midtjylland were fortunate to get away with a point despite of being one man more for the last half hour. FC Midtjylland are still struggling to find their great play from autumn, but in all fairness it was not possible to play good football on the pitch in Brøndby. On the bright side, new-signed striker, Martin Pusic, got his first goal and he will be the go-to-guy here (he is playing against his former teammates). Unfortunately for FC Midtjylland, they will probably have to do without the strong winger Pione Sisto yet again due to a groin injury. Defenders Jim Larsen and Kristian Bach Bak are expected to return. Esbjerg (9th) played a terrible match against AaB on Monday (lost 1-3), where they were way too naïve in their approach. Esbjerg’s head coach want Esbjerg to practice a high-pressure style (a la Salzburg/Dortmund), but AaB consistently took advantage of Esbjerg’s inability to master this approach. Defensively, Esbjerg look worryingly poor, but they will have a second chance against AaB on Thursday night in a cup match. Esbjerg should have a full squad to choose from, but might be tired with 3 matches in 7 days. Esbjerg have not won in the last seven H2H league matches.

Despite of FC Midtjylland not being fully up to speed and probably without Pione Sisto, they should still be a lot better than Esbjerg. Esbjerg lost three strong players in the winter break (including Pusic), and they do not look as solid as in autumn. This should be a home win, and if Esbjerg intend on using their high-pressure approach again, a bet on many goals is attractive.

Recommendation: 1 (AH -0.5) – 1.90 at Bet365

Idea: Over 2.5 goals – 2.20 at Ladbrokes