Gameweek 24 Preview

Eliteserien goes on this weekend with just seven games to go and Glimt only two victories away from their first ever title.

The usual format of two Saturday games and six Sunday games again this week, with a huge derby in Drammen, between Mjøndalen and Strømsgodset being the game of the weekend.

Molde as normal are in Europa League action, this time at the Emirates in London to take on Arsenal Thursday evening, so will look to continue their good form and push for second place in the table on Sunday against Kristiansund.

Gameweek 22 Review

I had a shocking weekend that basically nothing went right in terms of predictions. It was just one of those days on Sunday, with the weather absolutely awful in the south and West of Norway, games were not as good as hoped, and turned into turgid affairs.

Odd to beat Sarpsborg - finished 1-1, Odd took the lead but couldn't hold on, then Simvoic missed a good chance late on, so it wasn't to be.

Haugesund/Aalesund both teams to score - Unbelievably Aalesund got their first clean sheet of the season. Haugesund missed a penalty, and several clear chances. Can't believe this never came in, a 0-1 win for the away side.

Rosenborg to score 3+ goals - A pretty poor display from the home side, not as good as recent form, just a 1-0 win.

Add to those three with the Bet Builders not going well at all, only 2/8, this is a weekend to forget and one I am determined to improve on this weekend!

Saturday 7th November

Mjøndalen v Strømsgodset (Draw)

Mjøndalen put in a good performance last week against Molde, going in ahead at half time 1-0, and playing on the front foot. Unfortunately they couldn't hang on and lost 1-3 and are still in 15th place, two points behind Start.

Strømsgodset lost again, at home to Vålerenga this time, a 0-2 defeat with yet more missed chances, they are really getting dragged in to the relegation picture.

These two sides therefore have a huge game on Saturday evening, with seven points separating them and just two places, this is a real classic relegation six pointer.

Add in to the mix just 15 minute drive between the two football clubs, these two sides from Drammen will be very much up for what will more than likely be frantic and aggressive game.

Mjøndalen have definitely picked up their performances in recent weeks, so they will fancy their chances in this one. It is impossible to call in my opinion, and I think it might be a tight game with few goals. 

Nine games without a win now for Strømsgodset has dragged them down, and goals has been the main problem. Four times in those nine games they have failed to score, scoring more than once just twice. They create enough chances, but they have not been taking them and as a result, not winning games.

Mjøndalen have their own scoring problems, scoring more than once in a game just once since the 18th of July. They have looked better recently, so maybe  they can repeat their 2-0 win they got over Brann a couple weeks ago.

The way this game is likely to go, it will likely be quick paced and I think corners is in play here. Five of the previous six games for Mjøndalen have had at least 10, and eight out ten Godset games the same.

I expect few goals, plenty cards and hard tackles. This game if the away team win will pretty much put them safe, and if the home side win, they bring their rivals down into the mix for relegation.

Bet Builder: 10+ match corners and under 3.5 match goals (2.33)

Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Brustad (3.50), Mawa (3.10) or Liseth (3.00)

Brann v Haugesund (Draw)

Another team that are being dragged down towards the bottom are Brann, sitting just one point ahead of Strømsgodset, they haven't won in eight games, picking up four points in that spell. Last weekend they drew 3-3 at Sandefjord.

Brann fought back from 3-1 down to level in injury time through Fredrik Haugen, but they were helped by some poor goalkeeping in the Sandefjord goal. It might turn out to be a crucial point for the side from Bergen.

Haugesund meanwhile became the first side this season to fail to score against Aalesund, and the second team to lose to them. In truth it was really one of those days, with a missed penalty, and several chances that somehow stayed out of the net on what was a horrendous day in Haugesund.

This game is another in which Brann need to be winning, but it is tough to call, given Haugesund have been playing better of late. They will be keen to bounce back from last week, and this game could really go any way.

The reverse fixture finished 1-2 for Brann in the first game of the season, and I expect it to be close again, with the likelihood of goals from both sides. Brann have scored in 8 of the last 9 games, Haugesund had scored in 9 in a row before last weekend.

Brann need to win, so won't be sitting back, and with the pace of Wadji in attack for Haugesund, they could counter very efficiently in this one. Look for Wadji to have one or two good chances in this one if the game is level or Haugesund are ahead.

Brann have not been leading at half time in any game, since gameweek 7, I find that incredible, and something they need to put right. You can't keep coming from behind in games, they have only been leading at half time twice all season, two games that they won.

Corners I like here too, with 14 of the last 15 Brann games having at least nine corners, and 7 of the last 8 Haugesund games the same. 

Both teams play on grass, so no advantage there for the home side, and the weather will hopefully be nicer than last week. We should be in for a good even game on Saturday night.

Bet Builder: Both teams to score and 9+ match corners (2.08)

Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Bamba (2.60), Wadji (2.87) or Velde (4.75)

Sunday 8th November

Bodø Glimt v Aalesund (Home Win)

Glimt were back to something like their attacking best in Kristiansund last week, winning 3-2, thanks to a double from Kasper Junker and one from Vegard Moberg.

Zinckernagel was back in the team after his injury layoff, and he made a difference as expected, picking up assist number 14 of the season, to add to his 14 goals. Junker now has 16 goals, just four behind Pellegrino, and chasing him down quickly.

Aalesund fresh off their first clean sheet and second win of the season couldn't have asked for a tougher fixture to play next. Last week was their lucky day with the missed chances for the home side, but the winning goal was a special finish from Niclas Castro. Volleying it over the keeper and in off the bar to give them the win.

Glimt are two wins away from the title, and I think this could be a big win for the home side. Junker is looking to score as many goals as possible to catch Pellegrino, and Zinckernagel is looking for as many goal involvements as he can. Aalesund could well be in for a long evening.

Glimt have scored six goals in four separate games, I wouldn't put it passed them doing it again here. In the prior two away games to Haugesund, Aalesund conceded 4 at Stabæk and 5 at Viking, so I tend to think last week was a bit of a one off.

Aalesund need 3 points in the remainder of the season to avoid becoming the lowest points scoring team in the 30 game Eliteserien history. So maybe it won't be this week, but if they are already doomed as it appears, this at least is something to aim for.

Glimt have won every home game this season, they have scored two or more in every game this season, and still only dropped points in three games. They only need 10 points in the remaining 7 games to become the highest points total in top flight history. What a team, and what a season. Lets enjoy them before the inevitable loss of half the team in the winter.

Bet Builder: Glimt to win, over 3.5 match goals, Glimt to score in both halves (2.15)

Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Saltnes (3.10), Zinckernagel (1.72) or Bjørkan (6.00)

Molde v Kristiansund (Home Win)

Molde come into this off the back of a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in London, and juggling the Europa League with league games is surely going to catch up with them at some point.

Last week they came from behind to beat Mjøndalen 3-1 in Drammen, and that is the fourth week in a row they have either come from behind to win, or been drawing at the half and gone on to win.

Martin Ellingson got a goal in London, and it was also him that was the main man last weekend, grabbing two goals in the turnaround win. The other goal was a penalty from Leke James after Birk Risa had been brought down in the box.

Kristiansund were involved in that game with Glimt, in which they went ahead early through Pellegrino, his 20th of the season, but then fell behind. Bendik Bye got them back level, but they lost it late and now look destined to finish outside the European spots, now 6 points behind Odd who sit 4th.

This game will probably have a similar pattern to Molde's previous games, and I expect it will be tight in the first half. Molde will likely rotate again, but it has generally been when the subs come on that they get into their stride and win the games.

Although I fancy the home side to win, the price is very short and Kristiansund could well cause a surprise. Coming in off the back of Thursdays game, I can see Molde conceding for sure, and both teams scoring is pretty likely.

The reverse fixture was 2-2 in Kristiansund, and it is a short trip down for Kristiansund to Molde, so this derby game should be keenly contested and hopefully we get a good game.

Corners is in play here too, with 4 of the last 5 Molde games having at least 11 corners, and all of the previous 6 Kristiansund game having 11 or more. Molde usually concede plenty at home, and the reverse fixture had 17 corners, so expect something similar here.

Bet Builder: Both teams to score, Molde to score in the 2nd half, 9+ match corners (2.62)

Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Pellegrino (2.30), James (1.83) or Ellingson (4.00)

Sandefjord v Stabæk (Draw)

Sandefjord will be disappointed to have thrown away three points last week after leading 3-1 just passed the hour mark.

Kreuzriegler, Singh and Jonsson had scored their goals, but ultimately it was Storevik in goals for Sandefjord that let them down. In fairness he has been very solid in goals this season, but last week was a bad day. First he let a cross bounce out of his hands and into the net, then late on let a shot go passed him that really shouldn't have.

In fairness to Storevik, the weather was awful, but he will still feel responsible and no doubt will be looking for a big performance this week.

Stabæk drew 1-1 at home to Viking in a fairly even game. Luc Kassi gave them the lead before Bytyqi scored a wonder goal for Viking to level. Stabæk had plenty good chances, and they maybe could have taken the three points.

Stabæk find themselves only six points off a top six spot, and Sandefjord probably just one win away from safety. Two teams that should be looking for a win here, and hopefully as a result we get a good game.

Another game that no result would really surprise me, although Stabæk haven't won on the road since the 19th of July, and Sandefjord haven't won at home since the 1st of August, so a draw seems pretty likely.

Sammy Skytte looked really lively for Stabæk last week, he hasn't been in the goals, but he is getting closer, maybe this will be his week.

Sandefjord have the second fewest goals in the league this season, equal with Start, and both sides generally aren't involved in high scoring games. Although with the pressure of relegation basically off, maybe both sides will open up a bit more and we can see a nice flowing game.

Last week there was 20 corners and 6 goals in Sandefjord, so lets hope for something similar.

Bet Builder: 9+ match corners, both teams to score (2.40)

Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Skytte (5.00), Singh (6.50) or Vega (2.87)

Start v Sarpsborg (Away Win)

Last weekend Start were perhaps a little unlucky to lose in the end, 1-0 at Rosenborg, but that is two 1-0 defeats in a row now, and they still sit 5 points behind Strømsgodset and just two points clear of Mjøndalen in that 15th position.

Sarpsborg drew 1-1 away at Odd on Saturday and played pretty well, deserving of a point in the end, and they look safe now from any relegation trouble. Mikael Dyrestam got the goal, the big defender firing home after a corner hadn't been cleared.

This game is likely to be fairly tight, it was 1-0 to Sarpsborg in the reverse game, and neither side are particularly prolific in front of goal.

I can see Sarpsborg stealing this one with less pressure on them and the quality they have on the pitch. They have been creating good chances in recent weeks. Start have only scored once in the last three games, and they also will be without the suspended el Makrini this weekend who saw red last weekend.

Start need to win, so they can't afford to sit in and wait for things to happen, and Sarpsborg have shown to be quite strong in counter attack with Lindseth and Heintz looking particularly dangerous.

It is likely to a scrappy game down in Kristiansand, and although I prefer the away side to win, Start have picked up most of their points at home this season, and they need to do it again. They have four wins, all come at home this year, but it has been goals that is the issue. Just 25 all season, joint second lowest.

Sarpsborg only have 27 goals themselves, only 9 away from home, so if they do win, it probably won't be a big scoreline.

Bet Builder: Sarpsborg to win either half and under 4.5 goals (2.15)

Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Heintz (4.50), Bringaker (3.10) or Lindseth (4.50)

Viking v Rosenborg (Away Win)

Viking come into this one off the back of a really poor display and result at Odd on Wednesday night losing 3-0 and not playing well at all. Since coming back after a three week break they have lost against Haugesund, drawn with Stabæk and been hammered by Odd.

Rosenborg beat Start 1-0 and are 11 games unbeaten as they continue to push for the 2nd spot. Carlo Holse got the goal in the second half, after they had failed to take one of their many chances in the first half.

Viking have now conceded 43 goals this season, only Aalesund have conceded more than that this season, so expect Rosenborg to take advantage of that and get a win away from home. They haven't lost since the first week in August, and although Viking have good attacking players, I think the away team will keep the record up.

I'm definitely expecting goals in this one, although Rosenborg have looked much more solid the last few weeks since Eyjolfsson came in to partner Reginiusson at central defense.

Viking have only failed to score in one home game all season, so it would be a surprise if they didn't score here, although only Sarpsborg and Sandefjord have failed to score against them.

These two teams hit more corners than anyone else in the league, so expect there to be plenty of corners in this game. So expect plenty attacking, plenty corners, and hopefully, plenty of goals.

Bet Builder: 10+ match corners and both teams to score (2.10)

Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Berisha (2.87), Zachariassen (3.40) or Bytyqi (4.00)

Vålerenga v Odd (Home Win)

Vålerenga picked up a really good win away at Strømsgodset last weekend, winning 2-0 with goals coming from Henrik Bjørdal and Christian Borchgrevink. Bjørdal has been really excellent since arriving in the summer, making a big difference to the Vålerenga midfield.

Odd played two home games since last time I wrote, drawing at home to Sarpsborg 1-1, the goal from Espen Ruud from the penalty spot. The other game was an excellent 3-0 win on Wednesday over Viking, two goals for Bakenga and the third was added by Joshua Kitolano.

Coming into this one these two sides are level in 4th place on 42 points, with a European spot to play for. Vålerenga are still unbeaten at home this season, so they are favourites here, and I think with the extra rest, and the form they are in, they can take a crucial three points.

Odd have lost five times away from home this season, crucially against the other three teams in the top five, so they haven't been able to perform in the big games on the road. 

I think the home side will have too much attacking quality for Odd this weekend. Vebjørn Hoff has been playing in defense for Odd recently due to injuries, and he is a quality midfielder, but I worry how he will cope with Kjartansson. 

Also I think Kitolano could be vulnerable defensively against Dønnum and Borchgrevink on that side, and Sahraoui could well be too sharp for 36 year old Espen Ruud on the other side.

This should be a really good game to end the weekend, the home side have scored at least two goals in all but two home games this season, and in those two games they did manage to score. So the home side should score, and I fancy them to get at least two again.

Odd managed three at Aalesund two weeks ago, but against the big sides it was one each in big defeats at Glimt and Rosenborg, and they failed to score in Molde.

I'll probably look at corners here too, the previous five home games for Vålerenga have had at least 13 corners in them. Five out of the last 6 Odd games have had at least 9, and I think these two sides will be attacking each other in a really good encounter.

Bet Builder: Vålerenga 2+ goals and 10+ match corners (2.87)

Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Kjartansson (2.05), Bakenga (3.00) or Bjørdal (5.00)

My Bets for the Weekend

Glimt to win and over 3.5 goals in the match v Aalesund (2.00) NAP

Vålerenga to win v Odd (1.83)

Rosenborg to win and Both teams to score (3.4)

Hamkam and Tromsø double (2.26)