Copenhagenvs.Randers

These two teams are the only clubs to have posted successive wins to sit at the top of the standings.

Match preview

At this stage of the season, Copenhagen traditionally battle to earn a spot in European competition, an important period ahead of the rest of the campaign.

On this occasion, the pressure is ramped up with only Europa Conference League football on offer, Jacob Neestrup's side having already defeated minnows Magpies 8-1 on aggregate.

The standard of opposition increases in the third qualifying round with Banik Ostrava their opponents, yet a certain focus remains on trying to stamp their authority in the Superliga.

Victories have already been posted over Lyngby and AGF, the latter coming in dramatic style with Copenhagen needing to come from behind to earn a 3-2 triumph.

Based on early-season form, though, their next outing should represent their biggest test thus far, even though at least two goals have been scored in each of their opening four matches in all competitions.

Randers, on the other hand, have just two fixtures under their belt, yet Rasmus Bertelsen could not be happier with the start to 2024-25.

A comeback 3-2 success was posted at Vejle, the three points being wrapped up with a last-gasp goal, before a 3-1 win was recorded over Viborg.

Even with the lack of clean sheets, Bertelsen will prefer to focus on scoring three times in two successive fixtures, something which will sharpen the focus of their opponents.

Furthermore, there have been six different goalscorers, giving Bertelsen the belief that his side can hurt their more illustrious opponents all over the pitch.

Copenhagen Danish Superliga form:

Copenhagen form (all competitions):

Randers Danish Superliga form:

Team News

Having rung the changes for the second leg against Magpies, Neestrup seems likely to revert back to a similar Copenhagen XI from the win over AGF.

Nathan Trott, Munashe Garananga, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Orri Oskarsson are all expected to be recalled, the latter scoring twice as a substitute on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, Florian Danho looks likely to miss out for Randers, the forward having needed to be withdrawn through injury against Viborg.

His replacement Mohamed Toure would score within 20 minutes of his introduction and should get the nod down the middle of the attack.

Tammer Bany is also pushing for an opportunity in the final third with one goal and one assist coming from two substitute outings thus far.

Copenhagen possible starting lineup:

Trott; Huescas, Garananga, Diks, Meling; Falk, Claesson; Larsson, Goncalves, Elyounoussi; Oskarsson

Randers possible starting lineup:

Izzo; Olsen, Hoegh, Dammers, Dyhr; Bjorkengren; Enggaard; Campbell, Odey, Nordli; Toure

We say: Copenhagen 3-1 Randers

Randers will be full of belief that they can at least secure a share of the spoils in what should be an entertaining fixture. However, we are backing Copenhagen to come through in style to extend their early form.

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