FC Midtjylland play host to Odense on Saturday afternoon occupying top spot of the Danish Superliga qualification round.
However, the home side must avoid defeat against their upcoming opponents, who sit two points adrift and could still progress through to the European qualification match.
Match preview
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Given their success over the past five seasons, no-one associated with Midtjylland would have envisaged that their side would fail to finish in the top six in the regular campaign.
Nevertheless, Thomas Thomasberg's side have improved to such an extent over recent matches that they are still in the hunt for a Europa Conference League spot for 2023-24.
First of all, Midtjylland must negotiate this fixture, just a point being required to remain ahead of Saturday's opponents, and they will be confident of doing so having lost just one of their most recent 10 matches.
However, twice giving up a lead at Silkeborg last time out before having to settle for a 3-3 draw cannot have done much for the confidence of Thomasberg's squad.
On a positive note, though, Midtjylland have put together a four-game undefeated streak at the MCH Arena, collecting 10 points from a possible 12.
As far as Odense are concerned, they are on a longer streak without defeat than their hosts, that run having been stretched to eight fixtures.
Andreas Alm's team have posted five wins and three draws during that run to remain on the coattails of their more illustrious opponents.
That said, Odense's most recent defeat came at the hands of Midtjylland in the reverse fixture, the visitors prevailing by a 3-1 scoreline on that occasion.
Alm and his team will still have memories of their last trip to the MCH Arena, though, with a 2-1 triumph being posted at the end of October.
Team News
The early introduction of Viktor Bak Jensen - a tactical change rather than injury-related - led to Midtjylland's revival against Silkeborg last time out.
However, Thomasberg may not necessarily recall Jensen for this fixture, with the more likely inclusion being Aral Simsir who contributed two assists as a substitute.
Yankuba Minteh could drop out out of the Odense starting lineup courtesy of picking up an injury in the win over AC Horsens.
Charly Horneman is expected to deputise on the right flank in his place, but Alm may opt against making any further alterations.
Emmanuel Sabbi netted a double in the previous game to take him to six strikes and two assists from nine games in the relegation round.
FC Midtjylland possible starting lineup:
Lossl; Thychosen, Gartenmann, Juninho, Paulinho; Sorensen, Martinez, Gigovic; Olsson; Isaksen, Simsir
Odense possible starting lineup:
Hansen; Mickelson, Skjelvik, Slotsager, Adelgaard; Manneh, Tverskov; Minteh, Frokjaer-Jensen, Breum; Sabbi
We say: FC Midtjylland 2-0 Odense
Having failed to get over the line in their last fixture, the pressure remains on FC Midtjylland, and Odense will feel that they are well set to capitalise. However, Midtjylland have not lost at home since March 12, a run that we feel will be extended at the weekend.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
