Roughly 98% of global football fans will keep an eye on the Champions League tonight as expected. But, there’s more to have a look at tonight and the exotic Faroe Islands host a match that I’m keen on exploring further. Looking at the table this seems like a top-two clash but there’s more to it – as second placed Víkingur Gøta host KÍ from Klaksvík.
After four matches, favorites KÍ are unbeaten in the league and boast a dominant record of 14:0 in Betri Deildin this far – 4-0, 2-0, 5-0 and 3-0 respectively. Although they haven’t been taking on the most difficult teams admittedly, they’ve still been dominant and have had all games locked down at half time. Opponents Víkingur have seen somewhat of a decline in fortunes since their back to back triumphant seasons in 2016 and 2017 and the form continued last season where they clinched the fifth spot. They’re second in the league now with not a game lost but still have a goal ratio of 4:2 and faced a really tough game against B36 last Saturday where they held on to a draw after being bombarded for the full scope of 90 minutes.
The visitors from Klaksvík managed to enjoy a bit of an European adventure last season, ultimately falling on their sword versus Dundalk in the Europa League playoffs. Aside from seeing their profile growing what grew substantially was their bank account, and they’ve invested wisely. Off the pitch they’ve thrown a lot of money into development as the KÍ Academy is the first of it’s kind in the country and boasts three UEFA Pro license coaches, unprecedented in a land where there’s more sheep than folk. KÍ also made a heap of signings that were aimed not only to strengthen the squad but also the depth of the squad. As mentioned, they still haven’t conceded a goal and there’s no squad as well equipped defensively than KÍ and they’ve been utilising their depth well. In the link-up play they’ve added strong players as well and two of the best domestic players, Jóannes Bjartalíð and Árni Fredriksberg have started off right to form and the latter has assisted six goals since joining from rivals B36.
Both sides played last Saturday and I reckon KÍ has more depth to rotate fresh legs than Víkingur. Since their aforementioned title glory their squad has failed to be properly regenerated and key players from then are still key in the squad (albeit five years older). Their best striker Finnur Justiniussen is also sidelined with injuries and their strong midfielder Gunnar Vatnhamar (epic name, I might add) has been employed at the back, highlighting their defensive flaws and problems with depth. The fatigue is key here, whereas aside from having more quality in their midst, KÍ can go for these runs of games easier.
Best bet: KÍ Klaksvík to win at half time and full time @ 2.20 – Bet365
Prices have been slashed somewhat since shared in TeamCBK VIP last night, but Bet365 still offers the best odds of the bookies (Betfair price from 2.25 down to 1.95 as well)
I’m taking a couple of bets as well for fun related to the information I’ve shared:
Over 1.5 first half goals @ 2.48 – Coolbet
KÍ Klaksvík over 2 asian team goals @ 1.94 – Coolbet
KÍ Klaksvík to win both halves @ 3.1 – William Hill
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