FCK set for Brøndby triple?

19/11 2011 10:40

We’re all set for yet another New Firm clash of the 2011/12 season, with FC Copenhagen preparing to embark on their third trip to the Brøndby Stadium to face a stern Brøndby IF side in the Superliga.

by Joe Short

Twice this autumn have FCK beaten their nearest rivals in their own home. The first came in late September where goals from Dame N’Doye and César Santin sealed a last-minute 2-1 victory.

The second clash between the sides came just three weeks ago in the DBU Cup – a fixture that had to be rearranged from PARKEN – yet Copenhagen played as though they were still the home side, progressing to the next round of the Cup after a 3-0 win. Goals from Pape Pate Diouf and N’Doye before the break gave the Lions a cushion that they only increased after half time, Sölvi Ottesen rising high to head home a delightful Diouf cross.

Including the season's first two games, FCK and BIF have now played each other 76 times, with the Lions’ dominance increasing. For 36 of the 76 showdowns have resulted in FCK victory, 16 have ended in a draw and Brøndby have taken the remaining 24. The aggregate goals scored are also in Copenhagen’s favour, 103-91.

Brøndby close to relegation spot

BIF are currently 10^th in the Superliga, with Lyngby BK three points behind them. Should Lyngby beat HB Køge by an awful lot of goals, Brøndby would see themselves in the relegation zone come Sunday afternoon’s kick off. However, it is unlikely LBK can pull off a 10-goal win against Køge.

The last time Copenhagen faced Brøndby, the yellows had just appointed a new coach. Having dismissed Henrik Jensen, BIF promoted Auri Skarbalius from the coaching staff to become the club’s fully-fledged manager. Since the appointment BIF have played two Superliga matches and are yet to pick up a victory. They drew 1-1 at home to AaB, before another draw followed against OB, 0-0 in Furen.

All in all, Brøndby have played 15 Superliga games this season, winning three – against Silkeborg IF, HB Køge and Lyngby BK – have drawn five and lost the remaining seven. The club have 14 points, but will no doubt be looking to claim all three against Danish champions Copenhagen come Sunday afternoon.