FC Midtjylland-Viborg preview

Saturday 18/7 16.00

This is one the biggest rivalries in Danish football. FC Midtjylland go into the season with a new head coach. Quite shockingly the talismanic head coach Glen Riddersholm chose to leave after winning the title last season. Instead, former Danish U21 head coach Jess Thorup has just arrived to replace him. However, it is big minus since Riddersholm has been an integral part of FC Midtjylland for many seasons and was a players favourite. FC Midtjylland have also lost their key winger Sylvester Igboun to Russian club FC Ufa and other star winger Pione Sisto could also be close to signing for a foreign club. FC Midtjylland have made two signings for the starting line-up. Kian Hansen is a strong central defender and arrive after a good season in Nantes, while Daniel Royer is an Austrian winger who is set to replace Igboun. For this first match, FC Midtjylland are set to be without central defender Jim Larsen and winger Rilwan Hassan, while captain and right back Kristian Bach Bak is doubtful. Viborg had a terrific season, where they were promoted as number 1 in the 1st Division. Viborg have really found some interesting players, and they will be an exciting team to follow, since they could surprise. Especially, the speedy offensive weapon Serge Deble could cause serious problems for opposing defences. Viborg have signed some solid wingers in Jonas Kamper (from Randers) and Christian Sivebæk (from Viborg) and central defender Jeroen Veldmate (from Heracles) and in total, they have a fairly decent team. They should have a fine chance of surviving (only one team relegated this season), which is the goal for the season.

With the chaotic start to the season and focus on Champions League qualification, FC Midtjylland could suffer in the league. However, they have a very strong team and should be able to beat Viborg here. The two teams have some strong offensive players, for instance top league goalscorer Martin Pusic and Serge Deble and goals could be in store.

Ideas: 1 (AH -1) – 1.85 at Bet365

Over 2.5 goals – 1.88 at Unibet

UPDATE: Talismanic captain Kristian Bach Bak is out for FC Midtjylland. At the same time, they played a terrible match against Lincoln Red Imps in the Champions League qualification. At home, they only managed to beat them 1-0 and it seems like FC Midtjylland are some way off the pace that made them champions last season. Nevertheless our idea tip for FC Midtjylland has dropped from 1.85 to around 1.75, and we believe that value has tipped to the other side.

UPDATE v2: Deble out for Viborg. Massive absence - best player for Viborg. Value back on FC Midtjylland.