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Toke Møller Theilade looks at some of Leicester City's less well known European opposition for Leicester till I Die
Toke Theilade is the founder and Editor-in-Chief at Vilfort. He’s been covering Russian and East European football for nearly a decade, and is the former Editor-in-Chief at Russianfootballnews.com, and has written about Russian football for various outlets such as The Moscow Times, The Blizzard, and has worked with BBC, ESPN and The New Yorker on content related to Russian football. He
Introducing Randers FC – A Danish opponent for the Foxes
On Thursday, Leicester City take on Danish side Randers FC in the Conference League. The match at King
Power Stadium is Randers’ first competitive fixture since the middle of December, and they’ve thus
spent the previous couple of months on preparing for this match up. So, what can Leicester fans expect
from the Danes, and what kind of club is Randers?
The Horses of Jutland
Founded in 2003, Randers FC has become a regular in the sub top of Danish football. Despite the young age, the club has won the Danish cup twice, including last season, and qualified for European football six times. This autumn, saw the club participate in the group stage of a European tournament for the first time.
Randers’ success is built upon a solid foundation. The club has always played pragmatic football with a realistic approach to their own abilities and limitations. This has allowed them to continuously box above their weight class and become known as an opponent that is always challenging to face in the Danish Superliga.
Power Stadium is Randers’ first competitive fixture since the middle of December, and they’ve thus
spent the previous couple of months on preparing for this match up. So, what can Leicester fans expect
from the Danes, and what kind of club is Randers?
The Horses of Jutland
Founded in 2003, Randers FC has become a regular in the sub top of Danish football. Despite the young age, the club has won the Danish cup twice, including last season, and qualified for European football six times. This autumn, saw the club participate in the group stage of a European tournament for the first time.
Randers’ success is built upon a solid foundation. The club has always played pragmatic football with a realistic approach to their own abilities and limitations. This has allowed them to continuously box above their weight class and become known as an opponent that is always challenging to face in the Danish Superliga.
In a recent study done by Tipsbladet, Denmark’s largest football newspaper, Randers had the third lowest player budget in the entire Superliga. Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped them from assembling a strong and capable squad.
This season, Randers are once again heading to the championship round of the Superliga as things stand right now. The Horses are sitting fifth in the league, just two points behind Brøndby on the third place, and seven points ahead of local rivals AGF on the seventh place.
When they faced Brøndby, the reigning champions, in November, Brøndby fans sang their hearts out to push their team forward to a narrow 1-0 victory at home, and it was one of many examples of Randers causing massive trouble for the strongest and richest teams in the country.
The good results before Christmas means, that Randers are likely going to fight for European qualification once again, if they can finish the last five games of the regular season in strong fashion.
In European football, Randers have performed well too. They did lose to Galatasaray in the Europa League qualification, but advanced from a difficult Conference League group with AZ Alkmaar, CFR Cluj and Jablonec and just lost once.
Randers are usually fielding a team in a classic 4-4-2 formation, with physically strong strikers up front. While they are a team that praise themselves of having a strong defense, they have conceded the 4th fewest goals in the league this season, they have been surprisingly strong offensively.
With just 23 goals scored in 17 matches, the most obvious data doesn’t really support this claim. Randers have been unlucky though, and they shouldn’t be dismissed as a toothless side. They have the 4th highest expected goals in the Superliga as well as the 4th most shots and shots on target. Unfortunately for Randers, they are only 7th in scoring rate, which explains the low number of goals.
Randers have managed to create quite a lot of chances within the penalty area (4th most), so their opportunities can generally be described as high quality. That the Randers strikers are strong, can also be seen on the number of heading finishes, where they rank second in the Danish league. In fact, Randers ranks first in air duels won, with a big contribution obviously also coming from the defenders.
When Randers conquers the ball, they want to move it forward quickly. Either by passing it behind the defenders if possible, but otherwise over the wings with the aim of crossing the ball. That the team has a clear vision of what to do with the ball, is also obvious on the team’s passing data. Randers have the second highest percentage of forward passes with 41.5 in the league, and the second lowest percentage of sideway passes with 42.1.
This season, Randers are once again heading to the championship round of the Superliga as things stand right now. The Horses are sitting fifth in the league, just two points behind Brøndby on the third place, and seven points ahead of local rivals AGF on the seventh place.
When they faced Brøndby, the reigning champions, in November, Brøndby fans sang their hearts out to push their team forward to a narrow 1-0 victory at home, and it was one of many examples of Randers causing massive trouble for the strongest and richest teams in the country.
The good results before Christmas means, that Randers are likely going to fight for European qualification once again, if they can finish the last five games of the regular season in strong fashion.
In European football, Randers have performed well too. They did lose to Galatasaray in the Europa League qualification, but advanced from a difficult Conference League group with AZ Alkmaar, CFR Cluj and Jablonec and just lost once.
Randers are usually fielding a team in a classic 4-4-2 formation, with physically strong strikers up front. While they are a team that praise themselves of having a strong defense, they have conceded the 4th fewest goals in the league this season, they have been surprisingly strong offensively.
With just 23 goals scored in 17 matches, the most obvious data doesn’t really support this claim. Randers have been unlucky though, and they shouldn’t be dismissed as a toothless side. They have the 4th highest expected goals in the Superliga as well as the 4th most shots and shots on target. Unfortunately for Randers, they are only 7th in scoring rate, which explains the low number of goals.
Randers have managed to create quite a lot of chances within the penalty area (4th most), so their opportunities can generally be described as high quality. That the Randers strikers are strong, can also be seen on the number of heading finishes, where they rank second in the Danish league. In fact, Randers ranks first in air duels won, with a big contribution obviously also coming from the defenders.
When Randers conquers the ball, they want to move it forward quickly. Either by passing it behind the defenders if possible, but otherwise over the wings with the aim of crossing the ball. That the team has a clear vision of what to do with the ball, is also obvious on the team’s passing data. Randers have the second highest percentage of forward passes with 41.5 in the league, and the second lowest percentage of sideway passes with 42.1.
Strong strikers and a Football Manager wonderkid
The Randers side doesn’t have many players that football fans outside of Denmark would know. However, there are several players that deserves to be highlighted and that can hurt Leicester if given the opportunity.
In goal, Randers have Patrik Carlgren, backup goalkeeper on the Swedish national team. Carlgren has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Danish league since he joined Randers four seasons ago, and he could very well play on a bigger address next season. He was a part of the Swedish team that won the U21 European Championship in 2016.
The midfield is arguably the strongest line of the team. Lasse Berg Johnsen from Norway is one of the most promising central midfielders in the Superliga and has gotten a big break through this season. Centrally, he usually plays with Vito Hammershøy-Mistrati, who acts as the more offensive minded of the too. He’s always a threat on goal from this deeplying position with five Superliga goals to his name so far this season.
Up front, Randers has a dangerous duo in Stephen Odey, a Nigerian striker on loan from Gent, and Alhaji Kamara, who scored against the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations in January. Odey is especially exciting and was one of the best strikers in Denmark before Christmas. While he is still only on loan, there is no doubt that Randers are going to exercise the transfer clause in the loan deal to make it permanent.
Lastly, one player worth keeping an eye on is 17-year-old Filip Bundgaard. The offensive midfielder, that can also play as wing and striker, is a household name among most Football Manager, and he could be in for his big break through this spring. He is the youngest player to ever play for Randers, and the expectations for him are huge at the club that already has his older brother, Oliver, as a regular on the first team.
While Leicester are huge favourites in this tie, the Foxes would make a big mistake if they underestimate Randers. It is by no means a fashionable team, even by Danish standards, but they aren’t easy to play against. The match against Leicester will be the biggest ever for both the club as well as most of the players in the squad, and it is a great way of earning some exposure as well, so expect the Horses to be ready to die on the pitch.
The Randers side doesn’t have many players that football fans outside of Denmark would know. However, there are several players that deserves to be highlighted and that can hurt Leicester if given the opportunity.
In goal, Randers have Patrik Carlgren, backup goalkeeper on the Swedish national team. Carlgren has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Danish league since he joined Randers four seasons ago, and he could very well play on a bigger address next season. He was a part of the Swedish team that won the U21 European Championship in 2016.
The midfield is arguably the strongest line of the team. Lasse Berg Johnsen from Norway is one of the most promising central midfielders in the Superliga and has gotten a big break through this season. Centrally, he usually plays with Vito Hammershøy-Mistrati, who acts as the more offensive minded of the too. He’s always a threat on goal from this deeplying position with five Superliga goals to his name so far this season.
Up front, Randers has a dangerous duo in Stephen Odey, a Nigerian striker on loan from Gent, and Alhaji Kamara, who scored against the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations in January. Odey is especially exciting and was one of the best strikers in Denmark before Christmas. While he is still only on loan, there is no doubt that Randers are going to exercise the transfer clause in the loan deal to make it permanent.
Lastly, one player worth keeping an eye on is 17-year-old Filip Bundgaard. The offensive midfielder, that can also play as wing and striker, is a household name among most Football Manager, and he could be in for his big break through this spring. He is the youngest player to ever play for Randers, and the expectations for him are huge at the club that already has his older brother, Oliver, as a regular on the first team.
While Leicester are huge favourites in this tie, the Foxes would make a big mistake if they underestimate Randers. It is by no means a fashionable team, even by Danish standards, but they aren’t easy to play against. The match against Leicester will be the biggest ever for both the club as well as most of the players in the squad, and it is a great way of earning some exposure as well, so expect the Horses to be ready to die on the pitch.
Presenting Spartak Moscow - Everything you need yo know
When Leicester City takes on Spartak in Moscow early Wednesday evening in the Europa League, it is a mostly unknown opponent for many fans of the English side. However, the Russian club has a proud history, and, despite a shaky start to the season, won’t be an issue opponent for the Foxes.
Russian football specialist Toke Theilade, Editor in Chief at www.vilfortpark.dk, takes a closer look at the Muscovite outfit and gives you the lowdown on Leicester’s upcoming opponent.
A historic clubSpartak Moscow were founded in 1922, and in an everchanging world of Soviet and Russian football, they were one of few constants. With 12 Soviet championships and 10 Russian championships, they are the most successful Russian football club, although they have faced more than enough challenges over the last century.
Spartak are known as “The People’s Club” in Russia. They earned the nickname for being the only football club not openly affiliated with the state during the Soviet era. Being independent wasn’t easy though, and especially the rivalry with the NKVD/KGB controlled Dinamo caused Spartak many issues over the years.
Most noticeable was the cup semifinal in 1939, where Spartak defeated Dinamo, only for the game to be ordered replayed after Spartak had already won the following final. Luckily, Spartak won the replay as well.
Russian football specialist Toke Theilade, Editor in Chief at www.vilfortpark.dk, takes a closer look at the Muscovite outfit and gives you the lowdown on Leicester’s upcoming opponent.
A historic clubSpartak Moscow were founded in 1922, and in an everchanging world of Soviet and Russian football, they were one of few constants. With 12 Soviet championships and 10 Russian championships, they are the most successful Russian football club, although they have faced more than enough challenges over the last century.
Spartak are known as “The People’s Club” in Russia. They earned the nickname for being the only football club not openly affiliated with the state during the Soviet era. Being independent wasn’t easy though, and especially the rivalry with the NKVD/KGB controlled Dinamo caused Spartak many issues over the years.
Most noticeable was the cup semifinal in 1939, where Spartak defeated Dinamo, only for the game to be ordered replayed after Spartak had already won the following final. Luckily, Spartak won the replay as well.
In 1942, Spartak’s founders, the four Starostin brothers, were even arrested and sentenced to ten years of labour in Siberia for “attempting to drag bourgeois mores into Soviet sport”. During his exile, Nikolai, the chairman of Spartak, was forced to work for Vasily Stalin, the son of the feared dictator, and his club VVS Moscow, and it wasn’t until Joseph Stalin’s death in 1953 that the four brothers were rehabilitated and could continue their work with the club.
Because of the success Spartak has endured since the foundation of the club, as well as the independence from the authorities, the club has grown to be Russia’s most popular football club. The Red-Whites dominated Russian football following the fall of the Soviet Union, but in the last two decades things have been much tougher.
Spartak have won just three league titles in this millennium, two of them in 2000 and 2001, and the club has transformed from a powerhouse to a madhouse. Over the years, Spartak have changed coach almost as frequently as most people change their underwear, and one catastrophic signing has followed another on the transfer market.
The situation todaySince finishing second last year, their highest finish since the championship in 2017, things have gone downhill for the Muscovites. In the summer, they lost Alex Kral to West Ham, arguably one of their biggest stars, and although they did convert Victor Moses loan from Chelsea to a permanent transfer it hasn’t helped their results.
Slightly over one third into the season, they are sitting 7th with just 17 points in 11 games. This have them ranked as the worst of the four Moscow teams in the Russian Premier League, and they are already six points behind Zenit St. Petersburg on the first place.
In Europe things have gone slightly better for Spartak though. They suffered an embarrassing 1-0 defeat at home to Legia Warsaw in the opening fixture, but then followed up with an impressive 3-2 victory away against Napoli. The victory was secured after two late goals by Mikhail Ignatov and Quincy Promes, and it put Spartak in a good position to fight for advancement in the Europa League.
Because of the success Spartak has endured since the foundation of the club, as well as the independence from the authorities, the club has grown to be Russia’s most popular football club. The Red-Whites dominated Russian football following the fall of the Soviet Union, but in the last two decades things have been much tougher.
Spartak have won just three league titles in this millennium, two of them in 2000 and 2001, and the club has transformed from a powerhouse to a madhouse. Over the years, Spartak have changed coach almost as frequently as most people change their underwear, and one catastrophic signing has followed another on the transfer market.
The situation todaySince finishing second last year, their highest finish since the championship in 2017, things have gone downhill for the Muscovites. In the summer, they lost Alex Kral to West Ham, arguably one of their biggest stars, and although they did convert Victor Moses loan from Chelsea to a permanent transfer it hasn’t helped their results.
Slightly over one third into the season, they are sitting 7th with just 17 points in 11 games. This have them ranked as the worst of the four Moscow teams in the Russian Premier League, and they are already six points behind Zenit St. Petersburg on the first place.
In Europe things have gone slightly better for Spartak though. They suffered an embarrassing 1-0 defeat at home to Legia Warsaw in the opening fixture, but then followed up with an impressive 3-2 victory away against Napoli. The victory was secured after two late goals by Mikhail Ignatov and Quincy Promes, and it put Spartak in a good position to fight for advancement in the Europa League.
What can Leicester expect from the Russians?
Spartak’s entire identity as a club is built around fast possession-based football, and they seek to dominate their games and pressure their opponents aggressively when not on the ball.
Under head coach Domenico Tedesco, Spartak are usually fielding a 3-4-3 formation with wingbacks, which provides both depth and plenty of attacking firepower. Yet, Spartak have struggled in front of goal this season. They have just 13 goals to their name in the league, and both Quincy Promes and Jordan Larsson, the son of Swedish legend Henrik Larsson, have disappointed in that department with respectively two and zero goals.
Defensively, Spartak have also struggled. Their defense has developed a nasty habit of unforced individual errors. When pressured, Spartak can crumble fast, and this can be exploited by Leicester. When looking at the side, there are a few names that English fans should recognize. The most famous is arguably Quincy Promes. The Dutch international had a short spell in Spain with Sevilla and then in Holland with Ajax before returning to Russia and Spartak last season. He’s one of the greatest Spartak players in this millennium but has struggled immensely lately and is far from the level of a few years ago.
It is also worth highlightening Russian international Roman Zobnin on the midfield. He has been one of Spartak’s better players since joining the side from arch rivals Dinamo Moscow a few years ago, and he played well for Russia during the Euro this summer as well.
Lastly, 195 cm targetman Aleksandr Sobolev deserves some recognition. Although he has just scored twice this season, compared to 14 goals in 22 games last season, he is a force of nature. Strong as an ox and with good positioning skills, he creates a challenge for any defense. And of course, Spartak loves to cross the ball with him in the box, so he always needs to be kept an eye on.
All in all, Spartak aren’t going into this game in the best shape. However, fixtures against English teams are always special for Russian sides, and there is no doubt that the Russians will be top motivated at the stunning Otkritie Arena for this fixture. Nevertheless, Leicester will be favourites in a game, where the Russian winter is yet to really kick in.
Spartak’s entire identity as a club is built around fast possession-based football, and they seek to dominate their games and pressure their opponents aggressively when not on the ball.
Under head coach Domenico Tedesco, Spartak are usually fielding a 3-4-3 formation with wingbacks, which provides both depth and plenty of attacking firepower. Yet, Spartak have struggled in front of goal this season. They have just 13 goals to their name in the league, and both Quincy Promes and Jordan Larsson, the son of Swedish legend Henrik Larsson, have disappointed in that department with respectively two and zero goals.
Defensively, Spartak have also struggled. Their defense has developed a nasty habit of unforced individual errors. When pressured, Spartak can crumble fast, and this can be exploited by Leicester. When looking at the side, there are a few names that English fans should recognize. The most famous is arguably Quincy Promes. The Dutch international had a short spell in Spain with Sevilla and then in Holland with Ajax before returning to Russia and Spartak last season. He’s one of the greatest Spartak players in this millennium but has struggled immensely lately and is far from the level of a few years ago.
It is also worth highlightening Russian international Roman Zobnin on the midfield. He has been one of Spartak’s better players since joining the side from arch rivals Dinamo Moscow a few years ago, and he played well for Russia during the Euro this summer as well.
Lastly, 195 cm targetman Aleksandr Sobolev deserves some recognition. Although he has just scored twice this season, compared to 14 goals in 22 games last season, he is a force of nature. Strong as an ox and with good positioning skills, he creates a challenge for any defense. And of course, Spartak loves to cross the ball with him in the box, so he always needs to be kept an eye on.
All in all, Spartak aren’t going into this game in the best shape. However, fixtures against English teams are always special for Russian sides, and there is no doubt that the Russians will be top motivated at the stunning Otkritie Arena for this fixture. Nevertheless, Leicester will be favourites in a game, where the Russian winter is yet to really kick in.
