Gameweek 8 Preview

So I decided to change my format a little, and instead of a review of every gameweek, I will just be doing previews, with slightly more on how the previous game went in the preview.

Thanks for your comments on the previous blog, I am glad people are reading and reaching out to me, I appreciate it a lot.

Gameweek 8 takes place on Wednesday and Thursday this week as Bodø/Glimt continue to take the league by storm, and the top two stretch their legs away from the opposition.

Wednesday 15th July

Bodø/Glimt v Kristiansund (Home Win)

The league leaders Glimt remained perfect for the season with a 6-1 hammering of Aalesund on Sunday evening. That makes it 30 goals in the 7 games so far, 18 of them scored by the front 3 of Junker, Zinckernagel and Hauge.

Kristiansund lost at home to Stabæk, losing a late goal after they had earlier been ahead through right back Bent Sørmo. It was the first defeat of the season for KBK, although they have only won twice, so they have to start turning draws in to wins to remain in the top half of the table.

They of course have there own goalscorer in Amahl Pellegrino, 7 so far for the season.

I struggle to see how Kristiansund can cope with the attacking threat from Glimt. It isn't just the front 3, the midfield 3 and full backs all contribute effectively. Add to that they were able to relax in the second half and rest players on Sunday, I can't see anything other than a home win.

The highest and third highest scoring teams in the division, we can definitely expect goals. Glimt have been leading in 6 out of 7 games at half time so far, including all 3 of their home games. They have scored before 32 minutes in every game so far this season, and also, despite being ahead in nearly every game, they have scored in every first and second half this season. Even when 3 or 4 up, they just keep coming forward.

Kristiansund have been better in the first half of games as well this season, although they tend to tire in the second half. With Glimt having a much easier weekend, and resting players, all I can see is them running over Kristiansund here, like they did last year when they won 3-0.

Bet Builder - Glimt to score in both halves, Glimt to be leading at half time, both teams to score (odds: 3.40)

Goalscorers to add to bet builder: Zinckernagel(Glimt) and Pellegrino(Kristiansund)

Molde v Viking (Home Win)

Molde put in a very convincing display in Saturday in beating Haugesund. They were 2 - 0 up at half time, and got another one in the second half for an easy away win and probably their best display of the season. They remain unbeaten, their only dropped points in a 2-2 draw at Kristiansund. 

The goals are coming from everywhere in Molde, top scorer with 3 are James and Hussain joint. Again there was rotation on Saturday, so expecting it again here especially in the wide areas.

Viking lost at home to Odd in a very poor display as they continue to struggle to get going this season. Just one win so far at home to Sandefjord, a team very likely to go down. Viking are struggling for goals, just 8 in the 7 games so far. Berisha is the only player with more than 1 goal, he has 2, one of them was a penalty.

Nothing to suggest Molde won't go and win this one again, they have 19 goals in their 7 games, and although they haven't been as impressive as Glimt, they are very effective and usually when they get ahead they can control the game.

Molde have been solid at home, only conceding 2 in the 3 games so far, scoring 7. It will be a tough night for Viking, and they will likely be set up to counter attack Molde.

Molde have an extra days rest as well, so every chance Viking rotate here and look forward to the weekend against Haugesund.

Bet Builder: Molde to score 2 or more, Molde to be leading at half time, over 9.5 corners in the match (odds: 3.40)

Goalscorers to add to bet builder: Eikrem(Molde) and Bytyqi(Viking)

Sandefjord v Aalesund (Away win)

Two sides desperate for a win meet in Sandefjord on Wednesday. Aalesund are yet to win and off the back of a hammering from the league leaders, they seriously need some confidence if they are going to start feeling at home at this level..

Sandefjord lost again, this time at Brann, and they are still looking for a win since gameweek 1. They are massively struggling to score goals from open play as well, just one so far the whole season that hasn't been a set piece.

Aalesund have no problems scoring, but they are so poor against a counter attack, and leave themselves far too open. They need to win this though, and no doubt they will still be offering plenty in attacking threat. Fridjonsson has five goals for the season, the big striker looks in good form and he can hopefully pull his team towards some wins.

Sandefjord have conceded 14, so they aren't keeping the score down either, although Aalesund have conceded 25 so far. Aalesund have scored twice as many with 10 goals to Sandefjord's 5. 

I can't see either side settling for a point, so expecting Aalesund to go out and try and get the first win, so more goals expected here.

The last away game Aalesund had they played well at Strømsgodset and probably should have won. In fairness to them they have had a really tough fixture list to start the season, so maybe they can kick start it here like other teams have against Sandefjord.

It's really hard to see where the goals are coming from for Sandefjord, but they will find a way against Aalesund no doubt, maybe from a set piece, or on the break.

Bet Builder: both teams to score, over 2.5 goals in the match (odds: 2.05)

Goalscorers to add to bet builder: Rufo Herraiz(Sandefjord) and Fridjonnson(Aalesund)

Strømsgodset v Mjøndalen (Draw)

Mjøndalen were robbed by Vålerenga on Sunday who stole 3 points from them, with help from some very poor refereeing. Mjøndalen played against 10 men for an hour but couldn't score, or at least the referee wouldn't let them as they had 3 goals ruled out.

One was possibly a foul, another was never a foul, and the third was a little controversial with the keeper down injured after colliding with his own player. Nevertheless, they were unlucky to lose and will be out to get back to winning ways.

Strømsgodset were beaten 3-0 by Rosenborg on Saturday night, although the first half display was probably their best of the season, off the back of a good comeback in the second half against Kristiansund. 

Godset are unbeaten at home, drawing with Aalesund and Kristiansund, and beating Odd 1-0. But they have been very unconvincing, apart from two halves of football.

Mjøndalen have lost their last two, both times they have been very unlucky, but both times they haven't started the game too well. Ibrahim after scoring in 4 in a row, didn't score against Molde or Vålerenga.

They set up well away from home, Molde is the only defeat, missing a late penalty that would have made it 2-2. They play relatively defensive football and counter attack well, which might not be good for Godset, who have been struggling to break teams down.

So I think a low scoring game could be on the cards here, and maybe better to look elsewhere for goals. Will be looking at corners, Mjøndalen averaging 5 away from home, and against an out of form team.

Bet Builder: under 3.5 goals, over 8.5 corners (odds: 2.02)

Goalscorers to add to bet builder: Salvesen(Strømsgodset) and Ibrahim(Mjøndalen)

Vålerenga v Haugesund (Draw)

Vålerenga come in off the back of an important three points in that lucky win at Mjøndalen. Goalkeeper Klæsson won't be here after his red card on Sunday, and also Aron Dønnum is missing this week.

Dønnum will be a big miss, his creativity has been a big part of the teams style, linking up down the right hand side with Borchgrevink. Stokke started up top on Sunday and hit the bar with a header, as Vilhjalmsson was dropped back in to midfield.

Haugesund were well beaten at home to Molde and didn't offer much in the way of opportunities, a problem they have been struggling with this season. Sandberg and Velde were lively, those two have been the best attacking threats for Haugesund so far. 

Adekugbe is back from suspension, and Vålerenga will probably need to attack down his side more often in this game, so the threat likely to come from that side, whether it is Finne or Sahraoui who plays on the left wing in front of Adekugbe.

Neither side are scoring as  freely as they would like, Haugesund only 2 in the last 4 games, none in the last two. Vålerenga have in fact scored in every game this season, but never more than two, so likely to score, but it will be a tight game, and without Dønnum that gets harder for them.

The game before Molde, Haugesund played well and should have won, and I expect them to get back to that form, as Molde is a bit of an outlier. They have won 2 and drawn 2 of their 7, but the games they have lost have been against the top 3 teams.

All bar one of Vålerenga's games have been drawn or 1 goal in it, so it will be more of the same, and I think a 1-1 draw or 1-0 win to either team is likely.

Another thing to look for with Vålerenga is they have been card happy this season, so no doubt you can bet on yellow cards in this game. Shala gives away a lot of professional fouls, he is a prime candidate.

Bet Builder: under 3.5 goals, Haugesund to win or draw double chance (odds: 2.05)

Goalscorers to add to bet builder: Stokke(Vålerenga) and Velde(Haugesund)

Odd v Brann (Away win)

Two teams coming in off good wins, Odd winning on the road at Viking thanks to a Tobias Lauritsen goal, and a really quality winner from Kasper Lunding. It was a first for the club for the on loan Dane, cutting in on his left and firing far corner. 

Lauritsen was a threat throughout for Odd, showing a glimmer of light after the departure of Børven has definitely affected them.

Brann blew away Sandefjord inside 15 minutes with three goals from the two wide men. Taylor got the first, but the other two from Koomson continue what has been a great start to the season for the quick winger. That is now five for the season, top scorer at the club.

Brann have impressed this year, far more than last, and that has a lot to do with the form of Koomson, but also the defense. Unfortunately they are having defensive issues with Kolskogen and Acosta, plus Forren not fully fit, they could struggle to keep a clean sheet against Odd.

But no doubt the threat in attack means both teams to score looks good. Only Glimt have stopped Brann from scoring, and they had basically given up by half time due to being blown away in the first half hour.

Matches involving Odd and Brann so far this season have averaged over 11 corners, so I will be looking at corners here too.

This fixture hasn't been notoriously high scoring in previous years, only twice in the last 8 games has there been more than 2 goals, and with Odd recently not scoring too many, I'd maybe not be sure of a lot of goals.

Brann were able to relax in the second half against Sandefjord, so they should be ready to go, and I felt sorry for Bamba on Sunday, he scored but was wrongly ruled out for offside, and he also hit the bar. He is desperate for a goal and this match will suit him perfectly.

Bet Builder: over 9.5 corners in the match, both teams to score (odds: 3.05)

Goalscorers to add to bet builder: Lauritsen(Odd) and Bamba(Brann)

Thursday 16th July

Stabæk v Sarpsborg (draw)

Stabæk got a great victory on the road at Kristiansund thanks to a cracking late winner from young Kornelius Hansen. He is a real live wire, and pretty typical of the makeup of this Stabæk team. Him, Vetlesen and Gall all impressed on Sunday, and they run all day long.

The average age of under 25 for the starting 11 means they have been inconsistent so far, and are quite hard to predict as a result. They are very hit and miss, but they have generally played well against the teams in the bottom half, with wins over Sandefjord and Godset showing they are probably a top half team.

Sarpsborg have finally turned it round after a bad start and now have two wins on the bounce over Start and Sandefjord. Jorgen Strand Larsen has shown good form and finally found the net against Sandefjord, but it was Lindseth who scored the only goal in a win over Start on Sunday. 

One exciting note is the inclusion of Coulibaly in midfield alongside Saletros. He is only 19 but is really looking like a quality player already, with his quick feet and ability to create. This gives Sarpsborg real creative spark from midfield and a back 3 has meant him and Saletros can get forward more often.

This is a game that ended 0-0 last year, but the previous 8 encounters had more than two goals, and I think we could see an exciting game. The energy of Stabæk, particularly in the forward areas could be a big plus just three days after the last game, Hansen didn't start so he will likely start in this one and his pace and direct running could cause problems.

Alhough Sarpsborg have scored four without conceding the last two games, they were against two sides who struggle to score goals, so I don't think they have solved the defensive issues they had early in the season. 

Stabæk though have probably been better away from home due to their style of play lending itself to counter attacking football. But Sarpsborg won't sit in here now that confidence is a little higher after two wins.

Bet Builder: Both teams to score, over 2.5 goals in the game (odds: 2.50)

Goalscorers to add to bet builder: Normann Hansen(Stabæk) and Strand Larsen(Sarpsborg)

Start v Rosenborg

Rosenborg are finally hitting their stride this season after a 3-0 win at home to Godset on Saturday, and also a first goal for Torgeir Børven. They weren't great in truth in the first half, but once they got in front they looked far better and dominated play.

They look like they stumbled across a formation that might work, with Islamovic in behind Børven, with Helland and Ceide on the wings. They scored 3 after changing to that, so expect them to start with that which should suit Børven.

Start have failed to score in three of the last four games, scoring only 1 in that time. They are still looking for a win this season and Rosenborg have been keeping it tight recently, conceding only 2 goals in the last 4 games.

So this could be a tough evening for Start, and I expect Rosenborg to get another win. The pace of Wichne at right back should deal with Ceide, but on the other side I fancy Helland to come in and link up well with Islamovic and Børven, probably creating something for Børven.

Start struggled to create against Sarpsborg, and indeed they were lucky to concede only once. So expecting goals for the away side.

Rosenborg have been better in the second half of games this season, perhaps that is something to look at. They have scored 11 goals this season, only 2 of them coming in the first half. So I like the look of them to win the second half here. 

One positive is the likely return to the starting lineup for second top scorer from last season for Start, Martin Ramsland. He hasn't started since he effectively won them promotion with his hattrick in the playoff, so he will be a boost to have back in the XI.

Corners another thing to look at. Both teams average over 5 a game, and over 11 in the matches they have played so far.

Bet Builder: 1 or more goals in the 2nd half for Rosenborg, over 10 corners in the match (odds: 2.20)

Goalscorers to add to bet builder: Ramsland(Start) and Børven(RBK)

NAP of the Gameweek: Bodø/Glimt HT/FT and over 2.5 goals in the match (odds: 2.10)

Next Best bet: Molde to win the first half and score more than 1 goal (odds: 2.00)