Viborg FF and FC Midtjylland square off on Friday evening as they bid to earn a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
While the home side finished in fourth spot in the Championship round of the Danish Superliga, FC Midtjylland topped the Qualification round.
Match preview
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Midtjylland - last season's second-placed side - were left stunned when they finished outside of the top six during this campaign, forcing them into the Qualification round.
That said, relegation was never going to be a factor, and the Danish giants were able to play with a greater sense of freedom as they delivered on top spot.
Thomas Thomasberg's side collected 23 points from 10 fixtures to finish five points clear of Odense, who they defeated 4-2 on the final weekend.
Although Midtjylland were rarely in full control of the game, Odense were never in front and both of their goals came from the penalty spot.
Nevertheless, while Midtjylland have netted 12 times in their most recent four fixtures, they have also conceded five times in 180 minutes of football, something that will not be lost on their opponents.
These two sides have enjoyed contrasting fortunes of late, Viborg dramatically missing out on guaranteed European football courtesy of their poor end to the season.
Only two points were accumulated from their final three fixtures to see the Greens miss out on a top-three spot on goal difference, that margin being just two strikes.
Jacob Friis now has the job of trying to rouse his side for a one-off fixture where a spot in the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League is up for grabs.
However, they do not have fond memories of the corresponding game during the regular season, Midtjylland storming to a 4-0 triumph as recently as February 20.
Team News
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Barring any fitness issues, Friis may be prepared to name the same Viborg XI that posted a goalless draw at FC Nordsjaelland.
If an alteration is made, Nils Mortimer could get the nod over Renato Junior on the right-hand side of midfield.
Thomasberg is also expected to retain a similar Midtjylland side to the one which got the better of Odense at the weekend.
When Midtjylland went 3-1 up with 33 minutes remaining, Thomasberg begun to ring the changes, reducing the need to tinker with his team for their most important contest of the season.
Gustav Isaksen has been the star man in recent games, scoring in four successive appearances to take him to 22 goals for the season.
Viborg FF possible starting lineup:
Lund; Gaaei, Anyembe, Bonde, Bundgaard; Leemans, Westergaard, Sondergaard; Mortimer, Jatta, Achouri
FC Midtjylland possible starting lineup:
Lossl; Thychosen, Gartenmann, Juninho, Bak Jensen; Sorensen, Martinez, Gigovic; Olsson; Isaksen, Simsir
We say: Viborg FF 1-2 FC Midtjylland
Although Viborg have home advantage and have spent the recent period competing against better opposition, we cannot ignore that Midtjylland have the greater quality and momentum. With that in mind, we expect the visitors to come through in a hard-fought fixture, albeit one that they may control by taking an early lead.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
