Gameweek 23 in Eliteserien will see all 16 teams playing over the weekend for the first time in a month. Molde are balancing Europa League action with battling for second place in the table, with Rosenborg, Vålerenga and Odd all battling for the silver medal.
Last weeks round ended on Tuesday with Haugesund picking up a massive win at Viking, and it was a solid week for the blog, as we take a look at my bets for last weekend.
Gameweek 22 Bets
Rosenborg to score 2+ goals (2.1)
Odd to beat Aalesund (1.85) NAP
Glimt v Mjøndalen over 3.5 goals
Åsane to beat KFUM (2.00)
So it was 2 out of 4 in the bets of the week, and in the eight individual game bet builders, it was 5/8 that were correct. A decent ratio for the weekend, and plenty opportunity for people to make some money!
Moving on to Gameweek 23, it is back to the usual of two games Saturday and six on Sunday, with game of the week taking place in Kristiansund, where they welcome Bodø/Glimt on Sunday evening.
Saturday 31st October
Odd v Sarpsborg (Home win)
Last week Odd went to Aalesund and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, despite fielding an extremely young team, averaging 23.4 years of age, only three players older than 24 years old. The Kitolano brothers played together for the first time, and they got an easy win.
The result was massively helped by Aalesund keeper Lie having an absolute shocking error for the opening goal, a first goal for Odd for 21 year old Odin Bjørtuft. The second goal was another first for the club, this time for 20 year old Kevin Egell-Johnsen.
Bakenga headed home the third late on for his seventh goal of the season to keep the pressure on the three teams above them in the race for second.
Sarpsborg were beaten 1-2 at home to Rosenborg. Going two down in the first half, they scored with 20 minutes to go through Jonathon Lindseth, but failed to find a late equaliser despite good pressure. Sitting 10th and eight points clear of Start in 14th, Sarpsborg will be looking up in the remaining games to try and finish in the top half.
The away form of Sarpsborg has been the main issue for them this season, just eight points out of 27 they have total have been won on the road.
Odd have really good home form, winning 7 out of 10 games at home this year, so this should be a home win. I do think however this could be a close game. Sarpsborg have improved a lot in Autumn, particularly adding attacking quality.
Odd have won their previous six home games, and after three away games in a row will be happy to be back home this weekend.
Sarpsborg beat Odd 2-0 earlier in the season, so Odd will be out for some revenge, and I think we could be in for a good game. Normally Sarpsborg either don't concede, or fail to score, so it is hard to back up with stats that both teams will score, but Odd have scored in 11 out of 12 games, and I think given Sarpsborg improved attack, we will see an open game here.
Sarpborg have only scored more than once in one game away from home all season, so it is unlikely they will score many, but I think they will get one.
I like Odd to win this one, and with Espen Ruud back from suspension, he brings some experience to this young side. I think it will be a pretty even game, but Odd have enough about them at home to get the job done.
Bet Builder: Both teams to score, Odd to win either half (2.40)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Bakenga (2.50), Ruud (3.75) or Heintz (5.00)
Haugesund v Aalesund (Home Win)
Haugesund won at Viking on Tuesday night thanks to a first half goal from Ibrahima Wadji, and some help from the referee who refused Viking a late spot kick for a clear foul by Alexander Stølås in injury time.
It was the best of Wadji, using his pace to go in behind and finishing calmly into the far corner. He isn't a great striker, but he is quick and it can be dangerous especially on the counter attack.
Aalesund lost for the ninth game in a row, conceding another three goals, making it 16 conceded in the last five games.
Haugesund are another team who perform better at home, and they are very inconsistent, having only won consecutive games twice this season with that win on Tuesday. They beat Sarpsborg at home two weeks ago, and I expect they will win this week as well.
Aalesund are as good as down with their 7 points, and motivation looks pretty low right now. They haven't scored for the last couple of games, and are yet to keep a clean sheet all season, so it would be a surprise to see it this week against a team who are finding form and have scored in nine games in a row.
I think it is a game we can expect goals in, 7 of 11 home games have had at least three at Haugesund, and Aalesund games have only seen fewer than three on four occasions all season.
The reverse game was 1-3 in Aalesund, and Haugesund have conceded 36 goals this season, so Aalesund scoring isn't out of the question, and both teams to score is well priced at 1.9.
If Haugesund win they can go seventh, and a top half finish would be a good achievement. They are strong favourites on Saturday, and I don't see them slipping up here.
Haugesund home games and Aalesund away games generally serve up plenty corners, so something to add to the bet builder for this one.
Bet Builder: over 2.5 goals, 9+ corners (2.20)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Wadji (1.90), Velde (3.00) or Bruno Leite (4.33)
Sunday 1st November
Mjøndalen v Molde (Away Win) (1500 Kick Off CET)
Last weekend Mjøndalen went to Glimt and didn't play too badly in defeat, losing 2-0. They had a couple of good chances, but ultimately it is another week without scoring, the ninth time this season.
Molde on the other hand won at home to Strømsgodset, eventually scoring two goals in the second half before conceding late, in a 2-1 win. Leke James and Martin Ellingson grabbed the goals, with James returning from an injury, it will be good to have him back in the team for the remainder of the season.
Balancing Europa League games with the league will be hard for Molde as they played Rapid Vienna on Thursday night and picked up a huge 1-0 win, Ohi with the goal in the second half, which puts them in a strong position before two games with Arsenal.
Mjøndalen are still in 15th place, seven points from safety, but only two behind Start in the playoff spot. They have won just five times all season, three at home. But they have lost their remaining seven games at home, so they will find it tough on Sunday afternoon.
Although Molde are playing twice a week currently, they have the squad and the quality to win this one. They were put under pressure, but they have turned round their form, winning three in a row, and I expect them to make it four on Sunday.
Mjøndalen will sit in and try and keep it tight, but they need to win games, so they can't afford to only defend.
Molde have a full squad to choose from and they should be strong enough even with some rotation. They have scored eight in their last three games, so they should be looking to score at least two here. Mjøndalen have conceded at least two in 7 of their previous 8, so Molde to score two or more is very likely.
Mjøndalen are fighting for their lives, so like last week, it might take Molde some time to get going and break them down. They have won the 2nd half in the last three games, so I am looking at them to do it here again.
Bet Builder: Molde to win the 2nd half, Molde 2+ goals (2.25)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: James (1.90), Eikrem (2.37) or Liseth (3.25)
Kristiansund v Bodø/Glimt (Away Win)
Bendik Bye scored a late equaliser for Kristiansund last weekend as they got a decent 1-1 draw at Vålerenga to stay in the hunt for the top four. Unbeaten in five now, although three of them were draws, Kristiansund need to get back to winning ways, especially at home.
Glimt won 2-0 thanks to a double from Kasper Junker, but again they lacked the same attacking verve that we have become used to. Zinckernagel was out, and may still be out this weekend, they really are missing his quality on the right of the front three.
Despite maybe lacking a little of the attacking threat, they have still scored two or more in every game this season, and have won eight out of their last nine games.
Kristiansund are one of just three teams to have been leading against Glimt at half time this year, and one of only two teams that have stopped Glimt scoring in the first half.
They went to Bodø and sat in very deep, making it very difficult for Glimt to break them down, and I expect to see something similar this week. Two strong centre backs plus Hopmark and Diop sitting in holding midfield, this won't be an attacking outlook from the home side.
They will look to counter and be direct, looking for Pellegrino and I think Faris, who will likely start up top this week.
Glimt might have Zinckernagel back this week, but Brunstad Fet is still out. Hugo Vetlesen made his debut from the bench last weekend, so he could start this one. It could be the weekend that they fail to score two, I have a feeling Kristiansund will shut this one down like they did to Rosenborg two weeks ago, and they kept Vålerenga to one goal last week.
An early Glimt goal would open it up, but it is hard to guarantee it the way Kristiansund defend. Hopefully it happens, as it would make for a very good game.
I would be surprised if it is 0-0, but I think this one could take a while to warm up, and the second half is likely to be more open than the first.
Glimt are favourites, and I think, although it will be tight, that they will eventually get the job done on Sunday. But this is a tough one to call given the way the home side will play.
Every home game for Kristiansund has had at least eight corners, so something to look at. Their last five games have all had at least 13 corners.
Bet Builder: 9+ corners, Most goals in the second half (2.38)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Junker (2.00), Vetlesen (3.75) or Faris (2.40)
Rosenborg v Start (Home Win)
Rosenborg went to Sarpsborg last week and came away with a really important 2-1 win to keep them in the hunt for second place. Dino Islamovic got the first goal from the spot, then a counter attacking goal was nicely finished off by left back Pa Konate.
They were hanging on a bit late on but it was a crucial win and they are now ten unbeaten and playing much better football.
Start on the other hand had a really poor result, losing 0-1 at home to Sandefjord in what was a massive game at the bottom.
Start had the best of the game and missed some really good chances, and they were made to pay in the second half. It was a real chance to catch up with the teams above them but now they are five points behind Brann and in need of points.
Rosenborg are really strong at home, losing only once to Glimt this season and I fancy them to get a good win at home this weekend. Last home game they beat Odd 4-1 and I think Start might struggle to keep the goals down for the home team.
Start have only picked up three points away from home all season, yet to win, and the long trip from Kristiansand will not be easy for them here. I expect Rosenborg to score goals.
Start have had a couple of big defeats on the road this year at Glimt and Molde, and I think Rosenborg could dish out another one. They have scored at least two goals in 9 of their 11 home games, and I think they will get at least three here.
Start can't sit in and just hope for a draw, they need to start winning games no matter who they are playing. So hopefully we get a nice open game with Rosenborg continuing their good form.
Rosenborg home games usually have plenty corners too, at least nine in all but three of the games, and the way they are playing I can see them being on the attack in this game for the majority of the time.
Bet Builder: Rosenborg to score in both halves, 9+ match corners (2.50)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Islamovic (2.30), Zachariassen (2.87) or Reitan (5.00)
Stabæk v Viking (Draw)
Stabæk drew 1-1 away at Brann last weekend, Edvardsen scored for the second week running, but they lost an equaliser with 15 minutes to go, and neither side found a winner.
Viking lost on Tuesday night against Haugesund in a fairly disappointing display. They didn't create many chances, and perhaps were a little rusty after not playing a game for three weeks due to covid.
Stabæk will be happy to be back home where they have won three on the bounce against Haugesund, Start and Aalesund. Important wins that have taken them clear of any potential trouble and up to 8th place.
Viking had been unbeaten in eight before Tuesday night, so they will be hoping to get back to it as they seek a top half finish as well, currently level on points with Stabæk having played a game less.
I think we can expect a good open game in this one, these sides drew 3-3 back in August, and both prefer to play on the front foot. The grass at Nadderud Stadion might help Stabæk a little, but getting to this late stage in the season and with the colder weather, the surface might be struggling a little.
It is a game I think we should be looking at goals, Viking had scored 17 in 5 games prior to Tuesday, and Stabæk have scored eight in the last three home games.
No result would really surprise me, this is two evenly matched teams with good attacking talent. I think Stabæk bringing in Valsvik in defense has helped them get over the absense of Hanche-Olsen as well.
One issue for the home side is the suspension of Bohinen. The midfielder is the main man in terms of ball retention in midfield, so he could be a loss in the midfield battle.
There has been 18 and 17 corners in the last two Viking games, nobody has had more corners all season than Viking, and Stabæk are 4th in the league for corners conceded, so the away team likely to win a corner bet.
This could well be the game to watch on Sunday, and hopefully it produces the goals I expect.
Bet Builder: Both teams to score, over 2.5 goals, 9+ match corners (2.50)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Berisha (2.62), Antonsson (2.50) or Skytte (4.30)
Sandefjord v Brann (Draw)
Sandefjord picked up that huge win last weekend, a really nicely taken goal from Harmeet Singh. Storevik was once again impressive in goals as they moved seven points clear of Start.
Brann drew with Stabæk and are themselves only five points ahead of Start as they struggle for form, having not won in seven games.
Kristoffer Barmen headed in their only goal, but they still look short of confidence and were perhaps a little lucky after Stabæk missed a couple good chances to double their lead.
Barmen is suspended for this week after another yellow, so they are weakened with injuries as well, so this could be tough for the team from Bergen.
Sandefjord seem to win games when they really need to, winning recently against Start and Mjøndalen. They have a solid base and I think this will be another tight game.
Both teams have scored more than one goal in a match just once in nine games, so I think this has to be a low scoring game. Brann will be nervous about their position, and I think Sandefjord would see a draw as a good result, and would be happy to snatch a 1-0 win.
Brann have won 2 out of 15 games, so they are in awful form and although they have picked up more points away from home this season, I would be surprised if they won this one.
A draw is probably the most likely result, but Sandefjord have found a way to win important games this season, and I wouldn't put this one passed them.
Both these teams matches usually have plenty corners, only Mjøndalen have stopped them both in recent times from having at least nine match corners.
Bet Builder: 9+ match corners, under 3.5 goals, Sandefjord to win or draw (2.80)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Vega (2.87), Taylor (3.60) or Gussiås (2.60)
Strømsgodset v Vålerenga (Draw)
The run of six draws came to an end last week for Strømsgodset as they lost 2-1 at Molde. They held on for 70 minutes, but lost a couple of goals before a late consolation, and well taken goal, by Ingimundarson, his first goal for the club.
Vålerenga drew 1-1 at home to Kristiansund to remain unbeaten at home, but they will be disappointed to have given up a lead after Borchgrevink set up Kjartansson for the opening goal.
It was the 7th goal in 6 games for the big Icelandic striker, and Borchgrevink picked up assist number 4 in what has been an impressive season for the 21 year old right back.
Godset have been dragged into a relegation fight now having not won for eight games. When you draw so often it can go either way, lose a couple games and suddenly you haven't won for ages, win a couple and you are unbeaten for ages. It is the former for Godset now, and they have a tough game this weekend to bounce back.
Vålerenga have been better at home, but won 0-3 away at Sandefjord two weeks ago, and this game should be a good one. Two fairly attacking sides that both like to press.
No absentees really for either side, I expect we could see a nice open game here and some goals to end to the weekend on.
Vålerenga have hit a blank once in the previous 13 games, and despite their form, Godset have scored in 9 out of 12 games. So I think both teams to score is pretty likely.
The away side have only won 4 out of 11 on the road, so it is tough to back them to win, and that is the main reason they are 4th and not up in 2nd place in the league.
Kjartansson is in great form up top, Dønnum just signed a new deal too, so he will be firing on the weekend, and if anyone is going to win it will likely be Vålerenga.
Corners is an angle to look at here too. At least nine in 13 of 14 Godset games, and 15 of 16 Vålerenga games. Two attacking sides that press high and cross the ball a lot, usually equals some corners.
Bet Builder: Both teams to score, 10+ match corners (2.35)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Kjartansson (2.20), Mawa (3.10) or Dønnum (3.10)
Bets of the Weekend
Odd to beat Sarpsborg (1.95) NAP
Haugesund/Aalesund Both teams to score (1.90)
Rosenborg to score 3+ goals (2.38)
Division 1 prices still not up, might have something on twitter for that, or add it here tomorrow.
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