AIK vs FC Nordsjaelland Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This is one of the most finely poised ties in the UEFA Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round this Thursday. It’s also something of a local derby, with Nordsjaelland making the short trip from Denmark to the Swedish capital to take on an AIK Solna side who have been very impressive in their domestic league this season.

They weren’t so impressive in the 1st Leg last week though. Nordsjaelland claimed a 1-0 victory courtesy of an 11th minute goal from teenager Magnus Andersen. It was surely the highlight of his career so far given the midfielder had never previously scored a goal in professional football and he has given the underdogs a real chance of progressing from this tie.

This game at Stockholm’s Olympiastadion will be a real test of their character though. AIK are having a fantastic year overall and currently top the Allsvenskan by 3 points heading into the second half of the season. They’ve a really good chance of claiming the Swedish title but have been less convincing in this competition, having only progressed in Extra Time of the 2nd Leg against Irish side Shamrock Rovers in the last round.

Nordsjaelland meanwhile beat Northern Irish opposition in the shape of Cliftonville and have now won all of their European fixtures this term by a single goal. It’s hard to see a repeat here but they only need a draw to progress and it’s hard to see them being too bold here, even though an away goal would make their task a lot easier.

All things considered, it’s hard to see this being a high-scoring game. AIK are very strong defensively and look capable of keeping that all important clean sheet. They’ve conceded just 0.69 goals per game in their league this term, the best record in Sweden and they’ve been masters in the art of the 1-0 win. They might just settle for a repeat here, which would mean Extra Time again and 5 of their last 6 matches have had 1-0 scorelines after 90 minutes.

4 of Nordsjaelland’s last 6 matches have also produced under 2.5 goals. They’ve not conceded more than once in any of their last 9 competitive matches, which is certainly a good omen heading into this one and it would be no surprise if we see another close game just like the 1st Leg with a limited number of chances.

Therefore, backing Under 2.5 Goals could be the way to go here.