FC Vestsjælland-AaB preview

Saturday 18/4 15.00

FC Vestsjælland look odds on to relegate, but even though they must be mentally on top at the moment. They have not lost in the last two league matches, but more importantly, they won the first semi final cup leg against SønderjyskE with 2-0 and they are well on the way to reach their first cup final ever. The return leg is in the end of April, so it should not influence the dispositions of this match, unless some players are tired after the match on Wednesday. FC Vestsjælland have looked better in the last matches. The return of left back Michael Lumb is in important, but the new arriving players (Akharraz, Jonsson, Raitala and Vellios) are also starting to show what they can offer. The end result is a solid team with good confidence. AaB (7th) cannot be satisfied with how the season is evolving. As defending champions, expectations were to more than a position in the lower half, but AaB have lacked consistency throughout the season. For this match, the situation is particularly grim. Key players are banned: the defensive midfielder (and captain) Rasmus Würtz, right back Henrik Dalsgaard and the most in-form offensive player Thomas Enevoldsen. Furthermore, central defender Rasmus Thelander and team top goalscorer Anders K. Jacobsen are both doubtful with injuries. AaB should be able to field a decent side despite of all the absences, but it is clearly not an optimal approach.

Confidence is very important in football, and these team are in each end of the scale at the moment. AaB have not won in four matches, and look to be without several important players, while FC Vestsjælland are on the way to a cup final and are starting to deliver in the league too. The question is the motivation; will FC Vestsjælland have the necessary focus four days after their big cup win? If so, there is no reason for them being clear underdogs here – an even match is to be expected. 

Idea: 1 (AH +0.25) – 1.825 at Bet365

UPDATE: Thelander is out. Jacobsen is back but expected to be on the bench. FC Vestsjælland with strongest squad called up.