With Europe’s biggest domestic leagues still yet to get underway, there are other European leagues that have begun. The 2018/19 Danish Superliga season is entering its third gameweek and Midtjylland vs Esbjerg is one of the fixtures being played this weekend.

STATS

• It was a fantastic campaign from Midtjylland last season as they managed to win the Danish top-flight title. They finished 2^nd in the regular season due to goal difference before ending four points clear at the top after the Championship Round. Their start to this term has been underwhelming as they have lost one and drawn one of their opening two matches with their loss coming against AaB Aalborg last time out.
• Esbjerg were promoted into the Superliga after finishing second in the Danish First Division. They have started life in the top-flight in a sub-standard way with the same record as their upcoming opponents so far: one loss and one draw. They were beaten 3-2 by fellow promoted side, Vendsyssel FF in their last league fixture.
• The current champions have only managed one goal in their two opening league games, Paul Onuachu was the scorer of that goal.
• There are six players in the league with two goals so far and one of those is Esbjerg’s Adrian Petre.

HEAD TO HEAD

With Esbjerg spending last term in a lower division, they didn’t meet Midtjylland in any competition. They haven’t beaten the Danish giants for eight years which spans a run of 17 matches and Midtjylland have won each of the last four meetings. The champions have scored over 2.5 goals in five of their last seven fixtures against Esbjerg.

MIDTJYLLAND NEWS

Midtjylland really need a win to get their campaign going after a disappointing start but with a Champions League qualifier coming up, team selection might be affected. Kristian Dirks Riis and Rilwan Hassan won’t feature through injury.

Latest matches: FC Midtjylland

24.07.2018	UEFA	FC Astana	FC Midtjylland	2:1	L
20.07.2018	Supe	Aalborg BK	FC Midtjylland	2:1	L
14.07.2018	Supe	FC Midtjylland	AGF Aarhus	0:0	D
07.07.2018	Club	AZ Alkmaar	FC Midtjylland	1:1	D
04.07.2018	Club	FC Midtjylland	Thisted FC	4:1	W

ESBJERG NEWS

Like the hosts, Esbjerg are in desperate need of some points in order to help prolong their stay in the Superliga. Three players are injured and aren’t expected to make an appearance: Emmanuel Oti Essigba, Klaus Moesgaard and Rodolph Austin.

Latest matches: Esbjerg FB

21.07.2018	Supe	Esbjerg FB	Vendsyssel FF	2:3	L
15.07.2018	Supe	FC Nordsjalland	Esbjerg FB	1:1	D
08.07.2018	Club	Esbjerg FB	AC Horsens	2:0	W
27.05.2018	Supe	Esbjerg FB	Silkeborg IF	3:0	W
24.05.2018	Supe	Silkeborg IF	Esbjerg FB	1:0	L

SUMMARY

Despite a slow start and a European fixture coming up, Midtjylland are still favourites in this clash against the top-flight newcomers. Esbjerg will fancy their chances on the break but the hosts are expected to have too much quality and could go on to score a few goals on Saturday afternoon.