FC Nordsjælland-SønderjyskE preview

 Friday 17/7 18.00

FC Nordsjælland have not had the most impressive summer window. They have not signed any new players, while several players have left including key winger Uffe Bech (just joined Hannover) and right back Mario Ticinovic. FC Nordsjælland have a good natural cover for Bech in David Moberg-Karlsson, but the loss of Ticinovic is more problematic. The young Icelandic Adam Arnarson is set to cover instead, and he did not impress when given the chance in spring. FC Nordsjælland are also moving away from their ball possession style, which led to their only Danish title in 2012. There will be heavy pressure on left winger Joshua John to perform in the upcoming season, unless FC Nordsjælland make some new signings before the closure of the transfer window. FC Nordsjælland did impress in the last friendly with a 3-1 win against Ajax (not the strongest team however). SønderjyskE have made many changes ahead of this season. They have gambled with a young and unproven head coach in Jakob Michelsen, and they have also made many changes in the squad. Four starters have left (Marxen, Lodberg, Pourie and Jensen) including some influential players. SønderjyskE have made a number of new signings who seems of decent quality. The most remarkable is the signing of Thomas Dalgaard who was the league top goalscorer two seasons ago. Nevertheless, with 4 to 5 new players in the starting line-up and a new head coach, SønderjyskE will probably need a few matches to get into gear. Midfielder Nicolaj Madsen is banned.

Consistency is the key word in our prediction of this match. FC Nordsjælland have not changed much and are traditionally strong at home. SønderjyskE have changed a lot and although this team surely has potential, it is likely to take some time to materialize.

Idea: 1 – 1.95 at Tipico