14.11.2014, 01:10
Aalborg unable to rely on home comforts against mighty Kielce

GROUP D PREVIEW: Szeged set to face Dunkerque without talismanic Bombac while a first home win for Aalborg seems a long shot against in-form Kielce

Aalborg unable to rely on home comforts against mighty Kielce

A critical two weekends of handball can be expected in one of the tightest groups in this season’s competition. Kielce could stretch their lead at the top of the group while the other five teams scrap for the remaining places in the Last 16

VELUX EHF Champions League Group D

MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN) v Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral (FRA)
Sunday 16 November at 16:00 local time live on ehfTV.com

It will be a tough battle in Szeged although recent results could suggest otherwise.

Szeged have succumbed only to the favourites from Poland, while Dunkerque have merely gathered a single victory in four matches, overcoming Motor.

A huge lack of consistency remains the main concern for the French coach Patrick Cazal. In the domestic championship his men have managed to defeat PSG 27:26, only to bow down away at Chambery 25:24 on Wednesday.

Dunkerque perform better when scoring is low, so goalies Gerard and Annotel are expected to shine, while their most dangerous attacker is Baptiste Butto is on the left wing.

Szeged are favourites at home, no doubt, but they will play without the playmaker and top-scorer Dean Bombac, who has injured his ankle. Without the agile Bombac, Szeged face a much tougher challenge of penetrating the French shallow defensive zone.

Left back Antonio Robledo Garcia also had injury problems, but he is expected to be fit. Home supporters hope for another stellar performance of Jose Sierra between the sticks. The lion's share of goals will most probably come from the right side of the court, where Zsolt Balogh is enjoying a productive season.

Aalborg Handball (DEN) v KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL)
Sunday 16 November at 16:50 local time live on ehfTV.com

Aalborg's fans are yet to taste victory at home this season and they will most probably have to wait a while longer. After a draw against Kadetten and a defeat against Szeged the Danes host Kielce. 

Aalborg's coach Jesper Jensen hopes that his men learned some valuable lessons against Szeged and hopes that his defence combined with goalkeepers Erevik and Westphal will produce a memorable performance: "Kielce are not a team one can score 30 goals against."

The Polish juggernaut is at present crushing all in its path. The recent away victory at fellow European competitors Plock (35:22) speaks volumes about the form of Talant Dujshebaev's squad. Kielce travel to Denmark with a full squad and anything but an away win would be a surprise.

TEXT: Grega Sever / cor