Silkeborg and Viborg FF square off in the Danish Superliga on Sunday looking to improve on their mixed start to the new season.
While the home side sit in fifth position in the standings, the visitors are down in 10th spot after collecting just the solitary point.
Match preview
© Imago
With European competition acting as a distraction, Silkeborg were always going to struggle to put together the ideal start in this year's top flight.
Nevertheless, Kent Nielsen may be satisfied with the three points that have been accumulated from their opening double-header, with the success coming by a 1-0 scoreline at home to Sonderjyske.
A 2-1 reverse has since been posted at Aalborg, less than ideal preparation for the second leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie against Molde.
Silkeborg battled hard to secure a 3-2 victory over the Norwegian giants, only to succumb 5-4 on aggregate to drop into the Europa Conference League, where they will now face Genk.
However, priority will be placed on getting another win on the board in the Superliga, with the opportunity being there to keep pace with the early frontrunners.
From Viborg's perspective, they are still searching for their first success of the campaign, yet some context is required when judging their early matches.
A 3-3 draw was earned against Brondby on the opening weekend, their opponents remarkably coming from behind on three occasions and scoring twice in added on time.
Jakob Poulsen's side then went down 3-1 to a Randers outfit who are one of only two teams to prevail in both of their early fixtures.
Of the bottom eight teams, Viborg have scored the most goals, although they possess the worst defensive record during the early stage of the campaign.
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Team News
Having gotten the better of Molde across 90 minutes on Thursday, Nielsen may be prepared to select a similar Silkeborg XI.
Younes Bakiz came off the substitutes' bench to replace Alexander Lind at half time in the aforementioned game, getting on the scoresheet in the process, and may be handed a start.
Despite his dismissal versus Molde, Ramazan Orazov is in contention for a recall in central midfield.
Meanwhile, Oliver Bundgaard was an early withdrawal for Viborg last time out and seems likely to be replaced by Srdjan Kuzmic at left-back.
Isak Jensen and Anosike Ementa are also pushing for opportunities in the final third having been introduced before the hour mark against Randers.
Silkeborg possible starting lineup:
Larsen; Sonne, Rodin, Ganchas, Poulsen; Andersen, Brink, Larsen; Adamsen, Klynge; Bakiz
Viborg FF possible starting lineup:
Lund; Anyembe, Zaletel, Radic, Kuzmic; Jacobs, Gronning, Westergaard; Vester, Renato Junior, Serginho
We say: Silkeborg 2-1 Viborg FF
With Viborg having scored twice as many goals as their hosts, they cannot be ruled out from winning this contest. However, with home advantage and a stronger defensive record in their favour, we are backing Silkeborg to edge this game by the odd goal in three.
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