Midtjylland welcome Slovan Bratislava to MCH Arena for their UEFA Champions League playoff first leg on Wednesday. Both teams have looked sharp in these preliminary rounds but Slovan are a bit unconvincing on their travels and Midtjylland will fancy their chances of claiming the upper hand.
Midtjylland overcame Ferencvaros 3-1 on aggregate to secure a place in the playoffs. They had triumphed 2-0 at home in the first leg and were able to hold on for a 1-1 draw in the return fixture to progress.
It has been an impressive start to the campaign for Midtjylland, who are yet to taste defeat across all competitions so far. They have won four of their last five matches and have not conceded a single goal at MCH Arena this season.
Slovan Bratislava are in the Champions League playoffs after claiming a 2-0 aggregate win over APOEL last time out. They claimed a victory at home before playing out a 0-0 draw in the second leg.
Like Midtjylland, Slovan Bratislava are enjoying a fine start to the season and are unbeaten so far. However, the draw at APOEL may highlight a little vulnerability on their travels as they were also held at Celje in the previous round.
How the bookies view it: Smooth sailing for Midtjylland
Midtjylland have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/6 By Betfred. A victory for Slovan Bratislava is priced at 18/5 while Betfred is also offering 11/4 for a draw.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first ever clash between Midtjylland and Slovan Bratislava.
Players to watch: Watertight defensive duo
Midtjylland are yet to concede at home this season and the duo of Ousmane Diao and Juninho have been at the heart of things. Both men are likely to continue their partnership at the back and can lead the Danes to another clean sheet at 7/5 with Betfred.
At the other end of the pitch, the likes of Oliver Sorensen, Ola Brynhildsen and Franculino Dju have all impressed this season. All three men can combine to ensure Midtjylland produce over 1.5 goals at 8/11 by Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Sorensen came off the bench in Midtjylland’s Superliga fixture last weekend and is likely to start on Wednesday. Franculino should continue in attack alongside Brynhildsen while Diao and Juninho should partner at the back once again.
David Strelec and Juraj Kucka started on the bench last weekend for Slovan Bratislava and could be restored to the starting line-up on Wednesday. Kevin Wimmer is also expected expected hold the fort at the back alongside Guram Kashia.
Midtjylland: Olafsson, Gabriel, Diao, Juninho, Andersson, Simsir, Castillo, Martinez, Brynhildsen, Sorensen, Franculino
Slovan Bratislava: Takac, Blackman, Kashia, Wimmer, Zuberu, Kujka, Bajric, Tolic, Mak, Weiss, Strelec
Anything else catch the eye?
Midtjylland have won to nil in every single home fixture this season and could be set for a similar outcome at 15/8 with Betfred. Given their attacking quality, they could also be backed to score in both halves at 6/4 with Betfred.
With Midtjylland likely to score in both halves, they could also be backed to win both halves at 100/30 with Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Midtjylland and Slovan Bratislava will be played on Aug 21, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Midtjylland vs Slovan Bratislava prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
