Brøndby-Hobro preview

Sunday 19/4 17.00

Brøndby (3rd) have finally received a new pitch. The previous was terrible and not suited for football, resulting in some terrible matches from Brøndby were technical football was impossible. With a new pitch, there should be room for technique and passing football. Maybe, it is not a coincidence that the new pitch arrives just when they meet a physical Hobro team. Brøndby are in the 3rd position, where the aim to be at the end of the season. They have delivered some fine efforts in 2015, so remaining in this position should not be impossible. However, for this match they will have to do without talismanic central defender Daniel Agger, who is suspended. Furthermore, experienced midfielder Thomas Kahlenberg could also be absent here. The two are probably most vital players for Brøndby. As a positive note, striker Johan Elmander returns from suspension. Brøndby should look to play a fast passing game in order to open up the slow Hobro backline. Hobro (6th) are in the top half after 24 round. That would probably have given you around odds 100 at the start of the season! But they deserve to be here. Some players have really excelled, particularly right-winger Mads Hvilsom, who are second on the top goalscoring list, and has scored three goals in the last two matches. Hobro have a solid defence combined with a speedy attack (Hvilsom and Antipas). However, they will have to do without the strong left back Jacob Tjørnelund, and based on his level throughout the season, he will be hard to replace. Offensive midfielder Mikkel Thygesen is doubtful – he would be a great addition to the Hobro offense.

Hobro won the last two H2H’s with a combined 5-0, so Brøndby should be eager to take revenge here. They should be likely to do so, but the bookies are yet again underestimating Hobro. Brøndby have really had problems scoring in 2015 (only 6 goals in 7 league matches), and it is difficult to see why they should crush an in-form Hobro team, that has been remarkably strong at the back. Image has a big impact on the odds here, and this leaves good value for us how don’t care about image.

Recommendation: 2 (AH +1) – 1.825 at Bet365

UPDATE: Kahlenberg is out for Brøndby, while Thygesen is out for Hobro. Equally influential players for both teams.