Icelandic Football
2011-06-07 - KR Reykjavik vs FH Hafnarfjordur
A Sports Betting Pick by Cornholio
Football : Icelandic top league - Round 7
Tuesday June 7 2011, 20:00 (GMT)
The clashes between KR Reykjavik and FH have become one of the biggest in the season over the last decade. The two clubs have been among the strongest over the years but while FH isn't the same they used to be, KR's start this sesason is their best since 2003.
KR Reykjavik
KR Reykjavik have made an excellent start with 4 wins, 2 draws and still without a loss. Strange thing, though, is that they haven't really been playing superbly, they've just done what has been needed.
This can be seen in their scorelines where they still haven't trashed anyone, even though they have already met, for instance, the two promoted sides. They beat Vikingur 0-2 and Thor 3-1 while beating Breidablik and bottom placed Fram with the narrowest scoreline, 2-3 and 1-2 respectevely.
KR Reykjavik have only played two games at home beating Thor and drawing 1-1 against Keflavik who have been quite difficult for KR in recent years. They have scored the most in the league, a total of 12 goals which is 3 more than the next teams. However, what is concerning about them is their defense which has conceded in all but one game, a total of 6 goals. The only clean sheet came against Vikingur who have one of the worst offense in the league.
Stranger still is that many of KR Reykjavik supposed to be key players haven't been performing like they can. When and if they do (which must happen if KR are to stay on top) KR will be almost impossible to stop.
FH Hafnarfjordur
FH Hafnarfjordur still have a game in hand against Thor to play which make them a bit more difficult to evaluate than other teams at the moment. This will only be their second away game after losing at Valur and drawing at Keflavik.
What is worrying for FH Hafnarfjordur is that they have only won 2 of their first 5 games and seem unstable. Still, they remain 5th with a scoreline of 9:4 meaning their defense is quite solid conceding the second fewest goals at the moment.
FH Hafnarfjordur new striker and nation team player, Hannes Thor Sigurdsson, has been improving a lot. He has lost some weight and gotten into better shape and defenders are having much more trouble with him in the last one or two games leaving more open space for the faster players.
FH Hafnarfjordur managed to keep a clean sheet against the goal machine Stjarnan in last round beating them comfortably 3-0 after escaping the the first 10-15 minutes. This could be important for their self confidence and be of some use against KR. FH really can't afford to lose against KR as it would leave them 9 points behind, although they have played one game less.
Head to head
2010: KR - FH 0-1
2010: KR - FH 0-4 (Cup)
2010: FH - KR 3-2
2009: FH - KR 2-4
2009: KR - FH 1-2
2008: KR - FH 1-2
2008: FH - KR 2-0
2007: FH - KR 5-1
2007: KR - FH 0-2
2006: FH - KR 2-0
2006: KR - FH 0-3
No draw since 2004.
The Betting Verdict
The head to head stats are quite amazing with FH winning 10 of last 11 games and not conceding in last 3. It's also interesting that such strong and equal sides haven't drawn in such a long time.
These stats are surely in favor of FH but this season has also been the best in years for KR in the opening rounds while FH have been pretty unstable and sometimes seem to lack the desire to win, something KR surely has enough of.
While KR have been freely scoring their defense hasn't been the best while FH's defense is solid and their offense is also scoring (9 goals in 5 games). FH 3-0 win in last round could also provide them with extra power here.
With all these stats and info crossing over each other it's very hard to come down to a conclusion. However, I'm going to give KR's great start the extra point here and will rate them the favorites, but only just as their h2h can not be overlooked.
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main bet : This is such a close game so think carefully about your bet. 1X2 is just too risky so go for the double chance X2 bet @ 1.60 (Bet365)Side bet : KR to win is on offer at around 2.20 which is not value. Take FH to win instead @ 2.90
