Landsbankadeild - 25-07-2005 -

Throttur - Fram (0-3 in reverse fixture)

Reykjavik derby between two low table sides.

Fram currently occupies the last place in the table. They barely collected 8 points out of 11 played games; also the team looks totally out of form having lost 5 games in a row, so it would be correct saying they're seriously risking to be relegated to 1. deild.
Fram's loosing streak had an end last week in VISA-Bikar. They managed to progress to semi-finals of the Icelandic national Cup at IBV's expenses. After being held on 1-1 draw at the end of 90' they defeated their opponent with the final score of 2-1. If you ask me I'd say such an achievement is not even worth the Extra Time needed to get rid of a poor IBV side: Fram have no chances to win the Cup (they'll host FH in next round) and they should be only concerned of the league.

The newly promoted Throttur have just 1 point more than Fram. They had an awful start and if you had been following them you would have agreed with the icelandic experts who said, before the season started, they're the poorest side in Landsbankadeild. But looking at the latest results reveals they're clearly on an up-trend.
A couple of weeks ago Throttur hired a new manager: Edvalsson, who is making a fine job. Under his management Throttur collected 4 points in 2 games and, most important thing, they did not allow a single goal.
Surely Edvalsson worked hard with the defense, being it the main weakness of the team. If you look at the table you'll notice that Throttur have the best attack amongst the 'strugglers', but their offensive potential did not match their poor defense. So Edvalsson set the forward Ludviksson (former IBV) as a starter, loosing a bit in offence, but gaining much in defense. Ludviksson does not score much, but he knows how to come back and cover the game.
Also the talented capitain Pall Einarsson have found his work doubled, but now the whole team is much more balanced.

For the upcoming game Throttur will miss the midfielder Sigurdsson (suspended), while Jens Saevarsson (very important) should be fit and ready to play after a little injury. Finally Jonasson and Haflidasson are doubtful.

Fram should be at full strenght, being the only Sveinsson unavailable for the game.

H2H:

2003 Throttur - Fram 2-1
1998 Throttur - Fram 0-0
1996 Throttur - Fram 3-3

I've seen the most common odds offered on homewin are around 2,45/2,50 (now they've dropped a bit at some bookie). I think it must be a joke.
IMHO Throttur are very close to a victory here. They know that 3 points today can be decisive and they'll fight to death to get them. Fram will be motivated as well, but I can't see how a team in freefall could properly oppose to a side that is revealing a very tough nut to crack even to the more skilled opponents.

Throttur - Fram:

Pick: Throttur
Odds: 2,50
Bookmaker: Betandwin
Stake: 7/10
Confidence: 5,5/10

KK_