While Fredrikstad can be considered out of the Europa League with one leg after Midtjylland's stellar performance last week, Scandinavian rivalries always have flair and provide solid entertainment.
FC Midtjylland have been an integral part of the qualifying cycles over the past decade, often making it to the group stages of either of UEFA's competitions. Last season, they even made it out of the League Phase in the EL before losing to Real Sociedad in the play-offs. Advancing to the same stage feels closer than ever now, after the Wolves secured a two-goal advantage in the first leg. And if they make it past Fredrikstad, they will only have to deal with the winner from RFS vs KuPS.
Even if they lose on Thursday, Fredrikstad will be part of the league phase of the Conference League. And all this is the result of them winning the Norwegian Cup last season, literally months after getting promoted to the top flight. Historically, Fredrikstad is one of the most successful teams in the country but their last appearance in Europe was in 2009. Consistency has been a real issue this season for the Aristocrats, so it is hard to expect much from them in this rematch.
How the bookies view it: Back-to-Back wins for the Wolves
Bookmakers are leaning heavily towards Midtjylland, giving them 2/5 to win back-to-back. You can, of course, bet on the underdogs, and them winning would bring you great profit at 21/4. Meanwhile, the draw is also there at 4/1.
Recent head to head: All square after two clashes
This will be the third time Midtjylland face Fredrikstad in the last year and a half. Their first-ever clash was in February 2024, when the teams met in the Atlantic Cup. Curiously, Fredrikstad won that match 1-0 away from home, so they have recent positive experience at this stadium. But then the first game last week was completely one-sided, with the Wolves winning 3-1 away.
Players to watch: Franculino is on fire
Midtjylland are looking sharp at the moment and that's mainly due to Franculino Dju's performance since the start of the season. There is no doubt we will see the 21-year-old in a big club sooner rather than later, as he is shining with the Wolves. The young striker already has seven goals and three assists in six appearances for the club, including a goal against Fredrikstad last week. Nothing can stop him when he's having a good day.
Probable line-ups
Midtjylland: Lossl, Paulinho, Erlic, Lee, Mbabu, Osorio, Sorensen, Bravo, Gororza, Dju, Brumado
Fredrikstad: Birkso, Woledzi, Fredriksen, Rafn, Eid, Shein, Ohlenschlaeger, Owusu, Molde, Skogvold, Holten
Anything else catch the eye?
On paper, this should be a walk in the park for Midtjylland, at least when we draw influence from the first leg. The Wolves have had their fair share of struggles at home this season, winning just one of their four home matches across all competitions (W1, D3).
But this is a clear mismatch, whether you compare the overall strength of the two teams or the individual qualities of their players. We don't expect Fredrikstad to find their way to a goal this time, and Midtjylland should be able to confirm their place in the playoffs as early as the first half.
GambleAware