Esbjerg vs Randers FC Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Neither team has been overly impressive in their three league games so far, the pair only have one win between them. This is an important season ahead for both clubs though as Esbjerg are looking to cement themselves as a top flight regular after gaining promotion via the play-offs last season. Randers also had to win a relegation play-off last year to guarantee their place in the top league, so they will be aiming to distance themselves from the bottom of the table for this campaign.

Esbjerg impressed all of Denmark last season when they managed to bounce straight back up to the Superliga after finishing bottom in 2017. A runners-up finish last year in the 1. Division plus a play-off win against Silkeborg meant that the club could return to the top flight of Danish football. 2017’s relegation was their second in seven years and despite managing to bounce straight back both times, the club won’t want to take their chances again so should be aiming to stay well clear of the bottom of the table this time round.

Their opening form hasn’t been the best though, and they could soon see themselves sliding towards the foot of the league. Losses to Vendsyssel and Midtylland in games where they had the bulk of possession have been disappointing after an encouraging draw with FC Nordsjælland. The club had a mixed pre-season with a win over Horsens and a defeat to SønderjyskE, manager John Lammers would have hoped for a more consistent warm up period but will have to concentrate on building form in the competitive games.

They haven’t made an abundance of signings either with only two players coming in. Joni Kauko has joined from Randers as has Markus Halsti, both are defensive midfielders, with the latter being 34 so it hasn’t been the best transfer period for the club.

Randers will want to take advantage of their poor transfer dealings and form with back to back wins after their victory over Odense last weekend. Despite an awful pre-season with three losses, their competitive form has been very predictable but still healthy. A loss against one of the title favourites Brøndby, a draw against the similarly strengthened Horsens and a win over one of the relegation favourites Odense would have been exactly what Randers fans would expect ahead of each of these games.

Randers have had a more positive transfer period compared to Esbjerg,  with four really solid signings all under the age of 28. Patrik Carlgren, André Römer and Benjamin Stokke have all been involved in the team’s first eleven with Römer and Stokke already getting their first goals with the club. They should all be involved again against Esbjerg after their great performance against OB and this new bout of players plus a recent win should give them the upper hand in this fixture.

Esbjerg are still to keep a clean sheet in the top flight and with Randers scoring in their last six consecutive away games, the Hestene should claim victory in this one 2-1 with Esbjerg picking up their third loss of the season. Esbjerg have also scored in each of their last six games but have also conceded in four of them so we’re backing them to get a goal but ultimately fall short.