OB-Hobro preview

Sunday 19/7 13.30

OB have experienced several changes over the summer break, and the hope is for a new revival for the club after a couple of bleak seasons. OB will find hope in the appointment of AaB’s title winning head coach Kent Nielsen. With him, several new players arrive. The most notable are FC Vestsjælland top goalscorer Rasmus Festersen and midfielder Mohamed El Makrini. However, OB have also lost four players who were starters in the spring (Toppel, Spelmann, Høegh and Skogseid). Offensively, OB look quite strong with the likes of Festersen, Zohore, Larsen and Falk and the hope is that this strong attack can take away pressure on the back line. Hobro beat the odds with survival last season. Now it is time for the difficult second season, which often ends in relegation for small clubs. Hobro will have to do without some vital players. Key defensive midfielder Martin Thomsen left for Silkeborg and attacker and team top goalscorer last season Mads Hvilsom has just signed with Braunschweig. Hobro have signed replacements for the midfield in Kasper Povlsen (from AGF) and Tidiane Sane (free agent – former Randers player), but both are likely to be out with injuries. In attack, the physical Morten Beck Andersen (from Silkeborg) is new. Hobro’s other offensive ace, Quincy Antipas is out with injury.

OB have lost several regulars, but also welcomed some exciting new players. With the arrival of Kent Nielsen, morale is likely to be high in and around the club. Hobro will enter this season with a squad that looks weaker than last season and with some injury problems, they could easily get off to a poor start here.

Tip of the Week: 1 – 1.95 at Nordicbet