AaB-Hobro preview

Friday 1/5 18.30

AaB (7th) enters this match, the battle of Northern Jutland, with a strong need for revenge after not being able to beat the little brother, Hobro, in the past two matches of the season. AaB will have fine possibilities of doing so with the return of three suspended players. Central defender Kenneth Emil Petersen, central midfielder Kasper Risgård and winger Frederik Børsting all return, and the first two are expected to be in the starting line-up here, despite of AaB’s impressive 3-0 win at SønderjyskE last weekend. It has not been a great 2015 for AaB, but the return of many vital players and a good last match, provide hope of better times ahead. Central defender Rasmus Thelander remains absent, while left back Patrick Kristensen is doubtful. Hobro (5th) are doing a great job at the moment. They are very difficult to beat, and this is due to their strong defensive organisation, but also that they have some offensive threats in Quincy Antipas and Mads Hvilsom. For this match, winger Martin Mikkelsen returns from suspension, and he is expected to move Mikkel Beckmann back on the bench. Quite remarkably, the two big new-signings from winter, who are both former Danish internationals, Mikkel Thygesen and Mikkel Beckmann are looking to start on the bench. This is due to the strong effort by the original Hobro players, who have shown an impressive passion and will to create results. Hobro have no absences ahead of this match.

AaB should be favourites here, but it seems that the bookies are not willing to accept that Hobro are a fine football team. Odds 5.00 for an absence-free team placed higher in the ranks after 26 matches in a league where the home advantage is nothing spectacular is quite remarkable. We would select Hobro not to lose at a fine price.

Recommendation: 2 (AH +0.5) – 2.13 at Betfair