FC Vestsjælland-FC Copenhagen preview

Monday 11/5 19.00

This will be the cup final. FC Vestsjælland (11th) have all to play for here. After a very important (and deserved) late win against FC Nordsjælland last weekend, FC Vestsjælland are just three points short of Esbjerg above the relegation line. FC Vestsjælland have gained 10 points in the last five games. An impressive achievement by a team everyone had doomed, but FC Vestsjælland have looked like a different team. Especially the return of left back Michael Lumb has been a great boost. He adds a lot of offensive power on the left flank. At the same time, FC Vestsjælland seem to have found a good defensive base by sticking to Anders Kure and Anders Østli in the central defence. The influential captain Henrik Madsen left the last match early due to sickness, but he should return here. A player who does not return is Eggert Jonsson who is banned. Jonsson has been an important player on the defensive midfield, since he holds a very high work rate. Offensively, FC Vestsjælland have the classical big header (Vellios) and small speedy (Festersen) player combination, which is capable of causing problems for most opponents. FC Copenhagen (2nd) were lucky twice last weekend. They knocked Esbjerg out of the cup after a terrible performance, which was followed by a likewise weak performance, where they at home only managed to beat Esbjerg due to two late goals (2-1). The poor performance is normal given the many absences. FC Copenhagen have received so many injuries lately that they are unable to fill the bench. Midfielders Christian Poulsen, Youssef Toutouh and Danny Amankwaa have all received recent injuries, while strong striker Andreas Cornelius is also out for a long-time. Central defender Mikael Antonsson has a broken hand and might be rested, since this match is not so important for FC Copenhagen who should keep the 2nd place. FC Copenhagen are very dependent on team top goalscorer Nicolai Jørgensen, but he has not been at this best lately (despite of the goal last weekend). FC Copenhagen’s wingers have not look compelling, which makes FC Copenhagen’s offense quite one-dimensional with all plays going through Jørgensen.

FC Copenhagen have a better team despite of the injuries, but they might lack the necessary motivation. They should have fine support due to the proximity of the clubs, but despite of this we believe that they will find it difficult to get points here. There should be value in the home team here.

Recommendation: 1 (AH +0.5) – 2.12 at Unibet