AGF-Brøndby preview

Sunday 19/7 18.00

AGF are back in the league after a bumpy season in the 1st Division that finished with the expected promotion. AGF are a team that is always facing big expectations from the fans, which it is natural since it is the only top club in the 2nd biggest city in Denmark. However, this additional pressure seems to impair the performance and AGF often struggle at home, since the home fans have a tendency of turning against the team. AGF have made several squad changes over the winter break. Many rotation players have left the club, while AGF have signed some decent players in midfielder Elmar Bjarnason (from Randers), Daniel A. Pedersen (from Silkeborg) and Ahmed Yasin (from Örebro). The defence has also seen new players arrive, but the signings of central defenders Josic Elez (on loan from Lazio – never played a match for them) and Piscu (free agent, but played for Deportivo La Coruña and Wigan seasons ago) seem like gambles. Elez is suspended for the first match. Brøndby are on an upward slope and have been able to keep a strong squad for this season. Strong winger Ferhan Hasani has left the club, but the Swede Magnus Eriksson has been signed instead (from Guizhou Renhe in China) and he seems like a quality replacement. Brøndby are playing Europa League and face the challenging task of playing a match in Bulgaria on Thursday. This could be problematic for a fragile player like central defender Daniel Agger, who lack the physique to play two tough matches in a week. He is a talismanic player, so it will be important for Brøndby’s chances. Central midfielder Thomas Kahlenberg remains out with a long-term injury.

Brøndby look quite strong at the wings, while AGF have some weak backs. This match-up should pose problems for AGF, who often struggles at home as well. Brøndby should take the win, although they might be tired from the trip to Bulgaria. AGF have some strong offensive weapons in Mate Vatsadze and Kim Aabech, so Brøndby could struggle to keep them from scoring if Agger is out. We expect a match with goals and an away win.

Recommendation: 2 – 2.15 at Bet25

Idea: Over 2.5 goals – 2.15 at Tipico

UPDATE: Agger was rested on Thursday, when Brøndby impressively won at Beroe (1-0). He is in the squad here.