Esbjerg-Randers preview

Monday 20/4 19.00

Esbjerg (10th) should be a bit cautious with just 8 points to the relegation line, but otherwise the main focus should be on the cup, where they have a good starting point for the return leg of the cup after a 1-1 result away against FC Copenhagen. Esbjerg have a decent team, but they have clearly been left unsettled by the many transfers in the winter window, that saw three key players leave and four good players arrive. Head coach Niels Frederiksen also appears uncertain regarding the best formation, since he is continuously rotating. For this match, he will have to do without midfielder Erik Friberg who is suspended. Esbjerg should be capable of fielding a fine team here, but they could be more focused on the upcoming cup match. Randers (4th) are really experiencing a poor period. After three 2-1 losses, they have three consecutive 1-1 draws. Is the next a 2-1 winning period? Nevertheless, Randers have not been as good as in autumn. They have been short of confidence in recent matches, surely due to the results, but also due to the absence of some influential players. Right back Johnny Thomsen returned in last week, while captain Christian Keller is finally set to return here. This should help Randers be better organised, which has been an uncharacteristic problem in the recent matches. Central defender Mads Agesen returns from suspension.

Esbjerg typically have a hard time against Randers. It is no coincidence that they have lost six out of the last eight league head-to-heads. Esbjerg do not like Randers’ physical style and they are often dominated if they are not fully motivated. The home field advantage should add motivation, but the cup focus could be a negative influence. In any case, this should be a very even match, where we see no reason for Esbjerg’s role as favourite. Randers are back in the preferred eleven, that made them so strong in autumn.

Recommendation: 2 (AH +0) – 2.12 at Unibet

UPDATE: Captain Keller is out for Randers, which is a massively important absence, since he would be vital in the midfield battle against Esbjerg's Hans-Henrik Andreasen. The obvious new addition to the line-up, winger Borring is also out (Bjarnason would then have been used centrally). Instead, the most logical approach would be using Swede Joel Allansson in the midfield, but he has not impressed in the two starts he has had in 2015. No longer value in 2.12.