IF Fuglafjordur vs NSI Runavik
FreeWell, this is a turn-up for the books, eh? Today’s featured game is the Meistaradeildin game in the Faroe Islands between IF Fuglafjordur and NSI Runavik. IF have enjoyed a good start to their campaign but they’re punching above whereas NSI are a very good side indeed but have had a sluggish start to their campaign.
IF Fuglafjordur have only won two out of their four home games so far this season, drawing the other two games. They’ve beaten HB Torshavn during that run but their other results failed to impress me because they’re simply not that good a side. A quick glance at their statistics confirms by point because they’re where they are in the table due to a solid defence rather than a potent attack. Their bubble looks to be bursting too with defeat last match at home to Vikingur Gotu in the Logmanssteypid. The result isn’t unacceptable; Vikingur are simply better than IF. However, it looks set to leave today’s hosts a little dejected ahead of this tough encounter as they face yet another side that are better than they are. I respect IF’s form so far and their momentum will make this game hard for their opponents but I don’t envision the hosts being able to match the visitors today.
NSI Runavik surprised me with their poor start to their Meistaradeildin campaign. They’re one of the top Faroese sides for me despite a fairly disappointing finish last season. Their hindrance last year was predominantly on the road but they appear well on their way to resolving that issue, particularly with star striker and captain Christian Jacobsen having bagged four goals in his last four away games. NSI have won their last five games consecutively and have smashed eight goals in during their last two away games so they’re on fire at the moment. They’ve even beaten giants EB/Streymur in this run so momentum is very strong in the Runavik camp currently as they bid to win their first Meistaradeildin title in three years. Johan Davidsen has also been key for the visitors this year. I’m surprised that nobody snapped him up yet really. I know that Faroese players are some way behind other Scandinavian nations in general terms but Davidsen is a good centre-back and deserves his chance abroad. Nonetheless, he’s been key for NSI Runavik this season and they’ll benefit from having him in their team massively in this campaign.
Ultimately, I think the bookies have priced this game wrong. I can’t blame them really – only lunatics like me pay attention to leagues like this – but there should be value in this game today. NSI Runavik are too good for an IF Fuglafjordur side that are punching above their weight this season and it should be all too evident today. I expect plenty of goals, as is somewhat mandatory with the Meistaradeildin, but I also expect an NSI Runavik win, which has happened for NSI’s last five visits here consecutively with each game going over 2.5 goals. The odds for this game should at the very least be level; NSI Runavik being underdogs is an insult to the visitors and I expect the in-form side to take three points today at generous odds.
Verdict: NSI Runavik to win at 6/4.
Friday’s Picks
My tips:
Nothing else takes my fancy today, sorry guys! However, for the complete picks listing, see below.
Austrian Liga 1:
Austria Lustenau vs Lustenau (7) over 2.5 goals, at least one red card in this game
Dornbirn vs St.Polten (6)
First Vienna vs Austria Vienna II (6) over 2.5 goals, at least one red card in this game
Hartberg vs Admira Wacker (7)
Salzburg II vs Wacker Innsbruck (7)
Gratkorn vs SCR Altach (6)
Faroese Meistaradeildin:
IF Fuglafjordur vs NSI Runavik (7) over 2.5 goals
Finnish Veikkausliiga:
FC Lahti vs Jaro Pietarsaari (5) 1-1
Finnish Ykkonen:
Espoo vs OPS Oulu (6)
International Friendlies:
Paraguay vs Ivory Coast (7) 1-1
Republic of Ireland vs Algeria (6) 1-1
Swedish Superettan:
Jonkopings Sodra vs Osters (6)
Enjoy your free betting tips!