Preview: Odense vs. Viborg FF - prediction, team news, lineups

Odense welcome Viborg FF to Nature Energy Park for a Danish Superliga clash on Monday night.

After ending up in the Relegation Group last season, Odense have made a more positive start and are still unbeaten.

Match preview

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Form here on home soil has been vital for Odense over the past 12 months, as they have only lost once at Nature Energy Park since losing this fixture last season in early September.

Their opening home game of the season proved to be a disappointment though, after conceding a 95th-minute equaliser to throw two points away against Randers.

However, a 95th-minute strike of their own sealed all three points in an impressive win at Brondby last week.

Late substitute Bashkim Kadrii's introduction proved to be the pivotal factor, as he grabbed the last-gasp winner, coming from behind to win 2-1.

There may have been some concerns in the OB camp after a 7-1 annihilation at the hands of Twente in pre-season, but the side have started well.

Viborg meanwhile, have not made as good a start, as an underwhelming opening two games sees them currently sat second bottom.

Just one point in their opening games means only Vejle are currently below Jacob Friis's side, following a thrashing at Nordsjaelland and a draw with Lyngby.

Alarm bells were ringing when Viborg went 2-0 down at home last week inside the opening quarter, but they fought back well to claim a point.

The 4-1 battering by Nordsjaelland continues their woes away from home though, as Viborg have won only two of their last eight, after going on a 13-game unbeaten run earlier last season.

After finishing fourth last season and being just 90 minutes away from Europa Conference League qualification, Viborg would have hoped for a better start than this.

Team News

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Last season's top scorer Kadrii could move into the Odense starting XI after his heroics off the bench last weekend.

Goalkeeper Martin Hansen is the only current injury concern for OB, after being a late casualty for last week's win.

Hans Bernat stepped in to deputise, and the 22-year-old may be called upon once again by manager Andreas Alm.

Seventeen-year-old Tobias Slotsager is one to watch for the hosts, as he has retained his place at centre-back after becoming a regular late last season.

Defensive duo Zan Zaletel and Mads Lauritsen both returned to the bench last weekend after extended periods on the sidelines.

Teenager Jakob Vester also came back into the matchday squad, but Faroese youth international Martin Agnarsson is out with a broken collarbone.

Odense possible starting lineup:

Bernat; Owusu, Paulsen, Slotsager, Adelgaard; Manneh, Kohler, Al Hajj; Tongya, Kadrii, Horneman

Viborg FF possible starting lineup:

Lund; Anyembe, Burgy, Bonde; Gaaei, Westergaard, Gronning, Bundgaard; Renato Junior, Ementa, Said

We say: Odense 1-1 Viborg FF

Despite their poor start, there should still be more to come from Viborg, and last week's comeback could give them some much-needed confidence.

It is set to be a tight encounter considering four of the last seven meetings have ended 1-1, as well as a 0-0 in their previous meeting in October.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.