AaB
- Two sides that have been involved in some dramatic games this season face off in Aalborg on Saturday when AaB face off against Aarhus Fremad in a match that looks good to produce goals.
- AaB are slightly ahead of Fremad in the 1st Division table with a few points between the two clubs in the mid-table battle that will be crucial in deciding which group they end up in the promotion/relegation split at the end of the campaign.
- AaB will be looking for a win to keep their promotion hopes alive while Fremad will want to secure a victory to confirm their place in the upper half of the table after an already historic sweep of their meetings with AaB this season.
- Steffen Højer has certainly increased the intensity, structure and overall direction of AaB since he took over as head coach.
- His team plays a 4-3-3 that presses hard, creates overloads in wide areas and plays on the front foot.
- The players have responded to his messages and have made them a team that will drive the game when they have the ball and try to win it back immediately if they lose it.
Aarhus Fremad
- Aarhus Fremad are a much more pragmatic unit than AaB with a structured 4-4-2 system that can morph into a back three when they lose the ball.
- They do not attempt to dominate the game in terms of possession, but are extremely well-organised, dangerous on the break and have good set-piece routines.
- Fremad will make it difficult for AaB to have much of the ball on Saturday and could catch them out in the transitions if they are not on their game.
- The reverse match was a classic example of that, with Fremad hammering the visitors 5-1.
- Morten Dahm Kjærgaard’s men are more solid in defence, but have the goals and discipline to go away and grind out 1-0 wins like they did at Aalborg Portland Park.
Head-to-Head
- Aarhus Fremad have beaten AaB Aalborg in both league meetings this season, winning 5-1 at home and 1-0 away.
- Aarhus Fremad have won three of their last five games, including the reverse fixture against AaB.
- AaB have won back-to-back games against Middelfart (5-2) and Hobro (1-0) after a mixed run in the spring.
Key Players
- Kelvin John’s pace and goal threat has been a big factor in AaB’s improved results this term, especially in vertical transitions and counter-attacks.
- Anders Holvad is an experienced forward with set-piece prowess who scored the only goal of the last matchup with a header.
- Nicklas Helenius is AaB’s leading scorer and provided crucial goals in the wins over Middelfart and Hobro.
- Mathias Kubel was instrumental in the 5 - 1 win over AaB and is still causing problems up front while attracting transfer attention.
Betting Insights
- The odds of 2.4 for the home side look a little short, with Fremad at 2.7 and the draw at 3.25.
- Backing both teams to score looks a good play as this should be an open game with both sides attacking.
- The set-piece prowess of Holvad, who scored the only goal of the day with a header in the last matchup, could be crucial.
- Weather could play a part with rain in Aalborg making the pitch slick and favouring quick transitions and direct play - which should suit Fremad.
Prediction
- Expect a close, open game where the wide battles and set pieces decide the outcome.
- A sensible lean is towards both teams to score given the attacking threats on either side.
