After missing out on the Danish Superliga title by six points last season, FC Midtjylland are aiming to win the domestic trophy once more.
On Friday night, the Wolves will host Superliga rival Silkeborg IF as they seek a first win of the new campaign. Just four of the 12 Superliga teams claimed wins on matchday No. 1 of the season. Midtjylland were not one of those teams.
Ekstremt vigtig udligning 💪#FCMAEK pic.twitter.com/KdEHytrIgl— FC Midtjylland (@fcmidtjylland) July 20, 2022
Ekstremt vigtig udligning 💪#FCMAEK pic.twitter.com/KdEHytrIgl
The Wolves drew 1-1 with Randers as the latter came from behind with a wonder strike late on to snatch a point. Silkeborg, on the other hand, picked up a draw on the opening day as well. Silkeborg drew 2-2 with Lyngby.
Just 11 points separated these sides at the end of last term. Midtjylland finished second to champions FC Copenhagen while Silkeborg were sixth. Both teams qualified for the Championship Round of the playoffs.
Midtjylland coach Bo Henriksen is in his second season at the club. He deployed Midtjylland in a 3-4-3 formation on matchday No. 1 with Anders Dreyer leading the line. Attacking midfielder Gustav Isaksen got the Wolves’ only goal of the game last time. Henriksen should start both players again.
Silkeborg fare led by head coach Kent Nielsen. Nielsen just began his fourth season at the club and has provided stability. Matchday No. 1 saw Nielsen deploy the Silkeborg team in an attacking 4-3-3 formation.
Captain Nicklas Helenius scored twice for Silkeborg in the team’s 2-2 draw with Lyngby. Nielsen should be happy with the team’s attack. However, Silkeborg conceded two goals after leading 2-0. Those conceded goals came in the final 35 minutes.
Midtjylland forward Junior Brumado is a doubt to make the team due to an injury. His fellow forward, Dreyer, should start once more. Dreyer arrived for £4.5 million from Rubin Kazan this summer.
The Wolves played in midweek in UEFA Champions League second qualifying play. Midtjylland scored in the final six minutes to come from behind against AEK Larnaca to draw 1-1.
Midtjylland have a brilliant record against Silkeborg in all competitions with 5W-0D-1L. Despite their excellent head-to-head record versus Silkeborg, Midtjylland will fail to pick up a win at the end of regular time.
Friday’s match between Midtjylland and Silkeborg should finish in a stalemate with the match ending 1-1.
Isaksen could get on the scoresheet once more Midtjylland, while Dreyer will be dangerous. On Silkeborg’s side, Helenius will hope to get a third goal in two matches.