FC Nordsjaelland vs AIK Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This is a bit of a local derby with Sweden and Denmark neighbouring countries and traditional football rivals. AIK are the favourites to progress over two legs but with home advantage Nordsjaelland should give them a run for their money and it is the Danes who are the marginal favourites with the bookies to win the 1st Leg.

Both sides made pretty hard work of their ties in the last round. AIK were given a real scare by Irish side Shamrock Rovers. Having won the 1st Leg away from home 1-0, it should have been a routine progression for the Stockholm club but they were taken all the way to Extra Time and only made it through via a goal from Nicolas Stefanelli in the extra period.

Nordsjaelland meanwhile were up against Northern Irish side Cliftonville. Their tie was also level going into the Second Half of the 2nd Leg but eventually the Danes pulled clear to win 3-1 on aggregate and set this one up. They’d not previously played in Europe since the 2013-14 season and the omens aren’t great given they were knocked out by Swedish opponents in the qualifiers that year.

AIK are currently topping the Swedish Allsvenskan and look well capable of going on and claiming the title. That league is now at its half-way stage and AIK are yet to lose so they have no reason not to take confidence into this clash. Over the two legs, they ought to have the quality to progress but juggling a European campaign with a title challenge could prove tricky as we roll into August.

In the 1st Leg, Nordsjaelland should be able to at least get a result. They are another side that doesn’t lose many football matches, with their last defeat coming back in early May. They are unbeaten in 12 matches (including friendlies) heading into this one but they have been drawing a few too many for their fans’ liking.

The Danish league season is two games old now and Nordsjaelland have drawn both of their matches so far. Indeed all of their last four games have finished level in the Danish Superliga, including two goalless affairs at the end of last season. AIK meanwhile have drawn 4 of their last 10 games in all competitions and with little to choose between the teams here, backing the Draw could be the smart bet.