Icelandic Football
2012-07-30 - Fram Reykjavik vs FH Hafnarfjordur
A Sports Betting Pick by Cornholio
Icelandic top league - Round 13
Monday 30 July 2012, 19:15 GMT
Once upon a time Fram Reykjavik were victorious in Icelandic football. In modern time FH Hafnafjordur are the victorious ones while Fram struggles.
FH are candidates for the title while Fram battles, surprisingly, at the bottom. Last season Fram saved themselves with a great run in the last rounds and there might be something in the air this season that the same thing might happen.
FH Hafnarfjordur did very well against AIK in the Europa league, losing only 1-2 on aggregate. They can‘t afford any slip-up against Fram in the battle for the title while Fram can get further away from the relegation zone by grabbing all three points.
Fram Reykjavik
Fram Reykjavik have been far from the top battle where they were predicted to to be when the season started. In fact they have been in the relegation battle but the 0-2 win against Valur in last round moved them four points clear from Selfoss and six points from Grindavik. The win came at a critical moment when there had been problems evolving around their strongest player, Steven Lennon. Lennon played very well and scored in the game. He was named the player of the round.
Lennon has stated that he wants to perform good for the club while he is there but that his ambitions are higher and he wants to move to a stronger team, most likely abroad. This could happen before the transfer window closes in the end of the month but he says it will be more easy to leave the club if things have started to go better for it.
The win against Valur leaves Fram in 10th place with 12 points and another win on Monday would move them into mid table which is very tight. Their overall is 4 0 8, 15:19 winning two of last five. At home they have won two and lost four, the same as away.
One wonders if this season is going to be the same for Fram as last season where they had an excellent run in the last rounds losing only once in the last nine rounds. They will be hoping to start that run a little sooner this time and maybe the win against Valur is the turning point.
However, it will be hard to follow up on that against a strong FH side who are in a battle with KR at the top. If Fram are to take points from FH Lennon must continue his good performance from last game and his goalscoring since he has scored in the last four games.
FH Hafnarfjordur
Initially this game was to be played on Sunday but was moved back to Monday just recently, probably insisted by FH since they played against AIK last Thursday. This means they will get one extra day to rest, something that should be important for them.
FH Hafnarfjordur went out of the Europa league after a fine performance against AIK Stockholm where they drew 1-1 in Sweden and lost 0-1 at home. They can be proud of themselves and even though they failed to progress this should boost their confidence, a good factor going up against Fram.
FH‘s last game in the league was away against Grindavik, a game which they won 0-1 but didn‘t perform good, probably saving themselves beforfe the game against AIK. The win at Grindavik was vital since it keeps them close to KR Reykjavik who lead by only one point and FH have played one game less.
Overall FH are 7 2 2, 29:12 with both losses coming at strong home turfs, Valur and KR. FH have scored the most by far in the league and conceded the second fewest. However, they have been having trouble keeping a clean sheet lately and the game at Grindavik is their only clean sheet in last seven games, including the ties against AIK.
FH‘s defence will most certainly be tested against Fram by the likes of Steven Lennon and FH can not go into this game underestimating the home team who looked quite good in last round, and actually in the round before that, even though they lost 3-2. What also is worrying for FH is the fact that both of their main central defenders will be banned.
FH need to go into this game with full force knowing that KR have been strengthening their group lately but having played a tough game against AIK could affect them, especially later in the game.
Head to head
Recent results reflect the difference in how the two have performed in the league in recent years. Since 1998 Fram and FH have met 23 times with FH winning 14 and Fram 5.
FH have won last four while Fram won at home in the League cup in 2010. FH won the home tie this season 1-0.
There is know particular trend in the overs or unders with last two being under 2.5 while the three previous were over 2.5 goals. Average goals per match in those 23 games is 3.52.
The Betting verdict
A big factor in this is that it‘s pretty hard to assess whether Fram is back on track or not. I tend to think they are and with Lennon being strong in the last few games I think they will tease FH a lot.
FH are also missing their two central defenders, something they don‘t need after having trouble in keeping the goal clean lately. On top of that, Fram have scored two goals in each of last four games.
The price for Fram is quite tasty at around 4 but I think the draw is also likely. Remember that Fram have yet to make a draw in the league. Somehow I don‘t think Fram will lose but recommending the more safe bet of home win or a draw.
The Pick :
Fram Reykajvik 2-2 FH Hafnarfjordur
