This match turns on what happens after the first wide delivery. Copenhagen have several ways to put the ball into the box, while Midtjylland can turn a clearance into a quick attack through the middle. Both teams have forwards who can make those second balls count. The contest should be shaped by how the newly assembled home defence handles sustained pressure and how each midfield collects loose balls.
Beijmo, Robert and Elyounoussi supplied repeated box entries against Brøndby, with Cornelius adding an aerial target after coming on. Clem and Delaney can help Copenhagen collect clearances and send another ball toward the area. Midtjylland have their own direct connection: Billing and Bravo can release Etim or Iheanacho when they win that first clearance.
Midtjylland's matchday group is different from its last competitive outing. Bak and goalkeeper Olafsson played the full match then and are absent from this squad; Kristensen and Ndiaye are suspended. Diao and Bech have returned to the squad after limited friendly minutes, and Maxsø has joined them, giving Tullberg a new central defensive combination to organize. Copenhagen are without the ill Madsen, but Beijmo, Robert, Elyounoussi, Cornelius and Delaney remain available.
The early midfield battle should give both sides spells of possession and direct attacks. As the match develops, Copenhagen's repeated wide service and recovery of second balls can keep testing that new defensive group, with Cornelius ready to attack deliveries in the box. That's why I'm siding with FC Copenhagen away from home.
