FC Copenhagen - Lokomotiv Moscow 14 Sep

[Wilson]

2.46 3.14 2.95

[Daemon Caledor]

Earlier this season, I have whined about the terrible performances by FC Copenhagen but the World Cup qualifiers came at a perfect time for the team. Several new players were brought in, others had time to recuperate and return from injuries, and though there are still some problems, prospects are certainly lighting up for my side.

Most importantly, Zeca, the captain of Panathinaikos has been bought and he had an amazing debut this past weekend. He was superior in timing, vision and tackles and managed to bring some much-needed speed into the Copenhagen passing game. His presence alone makes me think that is is justified that the Danes are slight favourites for this match, Without knowing too much about Lokomotiv they certainly have some big names on paper but with homefield advantage and a new confidence in the team, I believe FCK can gain something here.

I suspect both teams will be happy with a draw, seeing that they are the favourites to progress from the group and won't risk too much at this early stage.

Draw and under 2.5 goals @ 3.60 is my choice.

[Livescore12]

Going for a 1 on this one.

Bad weather and a cold night in copenhagen is enough for me.

[xaralas]

Most importantly, Zeca, the captain of Panathinaikos has been bought and he had an amazing debut this past weekend. He was superior in timing, vision and tackles and managed to bring some much-needed speed into the Copenhagen passing game. His presence alone makes me think that is is justified that the Danes are slight favourites for this match,

Zeca never moved the ball fast or well. He is not really fast and I doubt he can improve the attacking game of any team from the midfield. He is an exceptional determined defensive tool with endless stamina. But there is no creative aspect to this player at all.

[qwbot]

Loko is balanced team with solid defence and dangerous on counters this season, they are currently on 2nd place in RFPL and aiming for top3. They have a creative midfield with Miranchuk brothers, Manuel Fernandes (mvp of Loko), Jefferson Farfan, these guys scored most goals. Also georgian NT defender Solomon Querquelia has outstanding season, teams from EPL interested in him. Loko don't have a real striker after Ari injury. They bought Eder Macedu (Euro 2016 winner), but he need some time for adaptation. Loko will miss Ari, Chorluka, Natcho.
Odds are right, regardless any problems FC Copenhagen almost never lose at home, i need at least 4 on Loko to start consider a bet on them. Maybe small bet on 0-0, i don't see much goals in this game.

[Daemon Caledor]

Zeca never moved the ball fast or well. He is not really fast and I doubt he can improve the attacking game of any team from the midfield. He is an exceptional determined defensive tool with endless stamina. But there is no creative aspect to this player at all.

I wouldn't claim that you're wrong since I have only seen him in two matches, against Belgium and FC Midtjylland. Incidentally, he scored in both.

The thing is that in Copenhagen we have William Kvist as the midfielder to bring the ball forward and he has abolutely no offensive ability so compared to him Zeca SEEMS to be a huge boost. That he is hard working is only to be expected since manager Solbakken would never employ someone who only brings quality in the offensive part of the game :-)

[fluorescente]

On paper, when comparing players from each team, Lokomotiv seems a lot better than Copenhagen. The thing thats keeping me from betting on Lokomotiv is that it's never easy to play in Denmark and I see the russians being happy to settle for a draw. Lokomotiv and Copenhagen are favourites to qualify in this group so I don't see any way teams are going mad for the win.

From what I've seen this season in Europe and in Denmark (saw 4-3 Midtjylland, 3-2 Sonderjysk and 0-3 Nordsjaelland) , Copenhagen defense is amateur level... And the offense is not that well prepared. You usually don't see planed offensive moves resulting in goals. It's all based on what individually every player can do.

Lokomotiv didn't convice me at all despite having seen just 1 game from them this season 3-4 win against Spartak (I hope russian members can provide more info about Loko). I'm curious to see if the Miranchuk twins will play tonight.

I think Denisov and Manuel Fernandes are able to dictate tempo for this game as I don't see a lot of creativity and ability to keep the ball on the danish side... So I'm backing under all the way

(you know Europa League is in another universe when supporters cheer for Zeca and use him as a condition to win matches. Sorry no bashing here. Just funny I think every portuguese football fan will understand me )

GL all

backing: under 2.5 goals all the way

[xaralas]

I wouldn't claim that you're wrong since I have only seen him in two matches, against Belgium and FC Midtjylland. Incidentally, he scored in both.

The thing is that in Copenhagen we have William Kvist as the midfielder to bring the ball forward and he has abolutely no offensive ability so compared to him Zeca SEEMS to be a huge boost. That he is hard working is only to be expected since manager Solbakken would never employ someone who only brings quality in the offensive part of the game :-)

He is definetely hard working, he got a career out of it, one of the most hard working talentless players there is out there. I dont underestimate him, he is a huge asset in the defensive part of the game, huge asset. But he is nowhere near a creative player. He scored having a good morale and good momentum right now and I think he will help. I only hope for FCK for the cypriot to rise, cause with Santander missing, Falk out and mostly Delaney (what a player) gone, things are a bit tough creatively...

[Daemon Caledor]

I suspect both teams will be happy with a draw, seeing that they are the favourites to progress from the group and won't risk too much at this early stage.

Draw and under 2.5 goals @ 3.60 is my choice.

0-0. Pick won.

[Daemon Caledor]

He is definetely hard working, he got a career out of it, one of the most hard working talentless players there is out there. I dont underestimate him, he is a huge asset in the defensive part of the game, huge asset. But he is nowhere near a creative player. He scored having a good morale and good momentum right now and I think he will help. I only hope for FCK for the cypriot to rise, cause with Santander missing, Falk out and mostly Delaney (what a player) gone, things are a bit tough creatively...

Indeed. Fortunately, Falk is back, Verbic is playing the best football of his career and slowly the defence is meshing so things are looking up for this FCK team.

I'm looking forward to see more of Zeca to be able to have a more informed opinion but already it is obvious that he is a better player than Kvist. Better timing and balance when he steals the ball from his opponents, no unnecessary free kicks - and also more dynamic in the offence. For instance, we would never see Kvist do this https://youtu.be/HnqkvkuCmO4?t=107 (1:45 in)

[xaralas]

it's more than obvious he is feeling great in his new team. he is not the guy to attempt such stuff, so it's more or less circumstancial imo. but then you feel good, you will do the extra mile, i guess.