TFT Issue 439!
FreeHowdy guys and girls!
Featured game
NSI Runavik vs EB/Streymur – under 2.5 goals at evens.
The Faroese FA swiftly moved a couple of fixtures “randomly” forward after the UEFA Champions League Qualifiers and UEFA Europa League Qualifiers were decided and surprisingly enough, all four sides that are representing the Faroese nation in Europe are playing today. How curious!
NSI Runavik are a cautious side at home as it is. As delightful as a European windfall would unquestionably be, they have to focus on avoiding relegation from the Meistaradeildin so I expect a composed display from them here. They made a couple of mistakes against B68 Toftir but generally did ok, although they needed to create more in the final third as most of their chances came from set pieces. They’re not an easy side to deal with in Runavik and although their attacking has been a little hazy at home this season, they still make life hard for opponents and I expect them to be highly motivated against giants EB/Streymur today with the above in mind.
The visitors have one of the biggest squads in the Meistaradeildin; they can rest players here if they wish. I think they’ll play their first-team and go for the 0-1 win whilst resting players in the second-half, however, as you can hold a lead against NSI Runavik with a bit of composure. EB/Streymur are the better side here although they’re a bit hit-and-miss on the road, contrary to what their form chart suggests. They’re solid at home but on the road they tend to under-perform. EB/Streymur are a lot more cautious on the road and it shows with three consecutive clean sheets away from home in the Meistaradeildin.
I think EB/Streymur will “do a job” on NSI today. They’re good enough to keep the ball and make things happen. I’m never too convinced with their finishing on the road but they’re certainly good enough to keep their hosts out. With the above in mind, taking under 2.5 goals at evens looks intriguing today, dangerous though it can be in the Faroe Islands.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals at evens.
Additional game
Vikingur Gotu vs B36 Torshavn – over 2.5 goals at 7/10.
I really wish that B36 weren’t competing in Europe because I’d be all over them here if so, irrespective of their dubious form this season.
Why, though? Vikingur are good in Gotu, right? Well, their record suggests so although they’ve only done well when they’ve kept clean sheets. Vikingur are very much a 1-0 side and with Gregersen holding the centre of their defence together, it’s no surprise that they’ve done so well as he’s easily the best centre-back still plying his trade in the country. Vikingur usually do enough to get the goal and then sit on it, which works well for them. However, Gregersen was sent off against HB Torshavn in their last game a few days ago and is suspended here, which is a huge blow for Vikingur. Their defensive ability is lessened by at least 50% for this game with his absence. Add to that the fact that they’ve got a European game with Gomel of Belarus in the coming days and there’s potentially a horrendous Vikingur side being sent out to play this game. I can’t see them winning it unless B36 lay it on a plate for them, basically.
However, B36 may just do that. Their Manager has recently admitted that defending their title is now impossible and that they’ll be looking for a European run to boost morale. Therefore, it’s realistic to expect B36 to rest a few players here themselves. They’ve got a big squad, however – they can still put out a good side here. Their defending has been suicidal this season, which is generally shown by the timings of their goals conceded. However, they’ve got firepower in their ranks and they are the better side so I think they’ll trouble Vikingur today.
Whichever side fields whichever line-up, I do find value in taking over 2.5 goals at 7/10 here. Gregersen’s absence means that Vikingur keeping a clean sheet here should be close to impossible whilst the visitors need a morale boost ahead of their European game next week. I really can’t endorse you entering the 1×2 market for this one as the points do mean more to Vikingur than B36 and Gotu is a difficult place to play. However, I think we’ll see goals, one way or another, so going over 2.5 goals really appeals to me, even at 7/10.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals at 7/10.