After a weekend off with the internationals, Eliteserien is back and this is the weekend that Bodø/Glimt will likely seal their first ever title.
A draw away at Strømsgodset would be enough, or they could be champions on Saturday if Molde fail to beat Stabæk.
This weekend we have 7 games, with the 8th game taking place on Tuesday with Rosenborg entertaining Brann.
Gameweek 24 Review
Glimt to win and over 3.5 goals NAP - A 7-0 win for Glimt in an impressive display
Vålerenga to beat Odd - A 2-0 win for the home side Vålerenga as they keep the pressure on Molde
Rosenborg to win and Both teams score - A shocking display from the Trondheim side, losing 3-0 at Viking
HamKam and Tromsø Double - HamKam 3-1 win, but Tromsø drew at lowly Øygarden, 1-1.
The bet builders went 4/8, with all of the first four in my blog coming in for a nice four fold for me personally.
Saturday 21st November
Stabæk v Molde (Away Win)
Last time out Stabæk went to Sandejord and drew 0-0, Stabæk had some chances to win it, but a draw was a fair result in the end and Stabæk have now drawn 3 in a row and are four unbeaten.
Molde were pretty unconvincing at home to Kristiansund, with perhaps the number of games catching up with them. Fredrik Aursnes scored an 89th minute equaliser as Molde grabbed a 2-2 draw. Etzaz Hussain had given them an early lead before the game had been turned around by the away side.
In the end it kept the league alive for just one more week, but anything other than a win on Saturday would see the title going to Glimt before they even play on Sunday.
The international break has probably helped Molde, and I expect they will go to Stabæk and get the job done on Saturday. They had won 4 in a row before the Kristiansund game, so they are playing well and looking like favourites for 2nd place.
Stabæk are in 8th, only two points behind Viking, and well clear of relegation troubles now. They don't really have much left to play for with six games to go. They are inconsistent, and have been all year, but they generally do well against the teams at the bottom of the table, and struggle against the top teams.
Molde won 4-1 in the reverse fixture, and I expect we will see some goals in this one, but Molde to come out on top.
Molde have scored at least two in their previous five games, meanwhile Stabæk have found scoring hard to come by, just two in the last three games, only Aalesund allowing them to score more than one goal in the previous five games.
The only issue I can see is the grass pitch at Stabæk might not be in great condition this time of year, but I think Molde have enough quality to win anyway.
In seven of the previous 8 games for both teams, there has been at least 9 match corners, so something to add to the bet builder again.
Bet Builder: Molde 2+ goals, Molde to win either half, 9+ corners (2.40)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Leke James (2.05), Eikrem (2.60) or Edvardsen (3.10)
Aalesund v Vålerenga (Away Win)
It was a crash back down to reality for Aalesund last time out, a week after winning at Haugesund they were demolished 7-0 by Glimt, and it did not flatter Glimt at all.
From the outset it looked like only a matter of time before Glimt scored, and although they went in at the break only 2-0 down, it was a capitulation in the second half, conceding five more, including three in the last 10 minutes.
With 18 points left to play for, Aalesund are 12 points behind, and considering they only have 10 points after 24 games, I don't see the picking up anywhere near enough to stay up.
Vålerenga meanwhile are in really good form, winning four of the last five games, and it was a really important 2-0 win over Odd last time out. Herolind Shala opened the scoring in the first half, then Mathias Vilhjalmsson came on to score the second late on for a deserved win.
Vålerenga sit fourth just now level on points with Rosenborg and just two points back from Molde in second.
Aalesund have lost five home games in a row, and Vålerenga after some poor away form in general this season, have won their last two on the road, and I expect to see nothing less here on Saturday evening.
They have scored 12 goals in the last five games, and Aalesund have conceded 16 in the same period, despite that clean sheet against Haugesund. So I expect Vålerenga should well be scoring at least a couple of goals in this one.
In a must win game I expect to see Vålerenga on the attack a lot, and with the creative abilities of Dønnum, Sahraoui and Borchgrevink, I can see goals for Kjartansson in this one, and Aalesund finding it tough to stem the attacking flow.
I think it is likely this will create plenty corners too. Vålerenga have had double figures for corners six times this season, and Aalesund have conceded double figures four times after doing it again last weekend. It wouldn't surprise me to see something similar here.
Bet Builder: Vålerenga 2+ goals, 9+ match corners (2.10)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Kjartansson (1.95), Sahraoui (4.50) or Bjørdal (4.50)
Sunday 22nd November
Haugesund v Sandefjord (Home Win)
Haugesund followed up that disappointing defeat against Aalesund by going to Bergen and beating Brann 2-1. They were outplayed in the first half, but took the lead early in the second when Stølås crossed in and Brann keeper Ahamada could only palm it in to his own net.
Niklas Sandberg got the winner from the spot after Velde had been fouled, and Haugesund picked up a huge 3 points that pretty much guarantees their safety.
Sandefjord drew 0-0 at home to Stabæk, although they maybe could have won it when they came closest as Singh hit the post. They sit six points clear of Start in the playoff spot, so they should be safe, although one more win would probably guarantee it.
This game is likely to be another tight game involving Sandefjord. Only one of their previous 11 games has had more than three goals, with six of them having fewer than three. So they generally keep it quite tight.
Haugesund are inconsistent at home, winning five and losing five of their 12 games so far, but I fancy them to get a win here. They have good quality in attack with Sandberg and Velde who can create chances for Wadji. I'm not a fan of Wadji, but he is quick, so can cause problems.
Sandefjord have actually won more points away than at home this season, their counter attacking style suiting away games. I wouldn't be surprised if they did get a result here, but Haugesund are favourites.
The odds on Haugesund are far too short in my opinion, this is more of a 60/40 game, but Sandefjord are 4/1.
Sandefjord are the second lowest scoring team in the league with 25, Haugesund ony have four more goals than that, so it's unlikely to be a thriller. Add to that the grass pitch at Haugesund won't be in great condition in mid November.
Haugesund usually hit plenty corners at home, at least 6 in all but two games, so their games usually go well over 9, averaging 12.25 match corners this season.
Bet Builder: 9+ match corners, Haugesund to score, under 3.5 goals (2.37)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Velde (3.60), Sandberg (2.75) or Singh (no odds on bet365)
Kristiansund v Mjøndalen (Home Win)
Kristiansund went to Molde and were very unlucky to come away with just a point after losing a late goal. They had fallen behind but fought back through Amahl Pellegrino and Faris Pemi. It was goal number 21 of the season for Pellegrino, as he continues his push for the top scorer title.
Mjøndalen picked up a huge win in the derby against Strømsgodset, winning 3-0 at home and as a result dragging themselves back into contention to jump out of the relegation zone.
An early goal from Ole Amund Sveen gave them the perfect start, and they were by far the better team, confirming the win with two second half goals, first from Brustad and then from Aasmundsen. They now sit only two points behind Start, and four behind Strømsgodset.
Kristiansund now haven't won in four games, and also haven't won in their previous four home games, so they have dropped out the race for the top four and now don't have much to play for.
It makes this game interesting, but I do still think they should be beating Mjøndalen, who are fighting for their lives down the bottom. Goals has been the issue, especially on the road, where they have failed to score five times, and only scored more than one goal in one game, at Aalesund.
In 7 of the 11 home games for Kristiansund, they have scored at least two goals, and given that Mjøndalen will not just be sitting in defending, I can see it happening again. Pellegrino is desperate for goals because Junker is chasing him down in the goal charts.
Seven games in a row with at least 10 corners in Kristiansund games, six out of seven Mjøndalen games the same, I think we can expect corners again. Mjøndalen can't afford to lose, and in fact both teams will be looking to win, so no matter how the game is set, someone will be attacking hard.
This will be a competitive game between two aggressive and physical sides, so it might not be the game of the weekend in terms of quality, but I expect the home side to come out on top.
Bet Builder: Kristiansund 2+ goals, 9+ match corners (2.10)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Pellegrino (1.80), Bye (2.50) or Liseth (3.75)
Odd v Start (Home Win)
Odd were beaten away at Vålerenga last time out, 2-0, so they will be happy to be back home this weekend to where they have been in great form.
Start picked up a huge win, with a late winner against Sarpsborg giving them a 3-2 win. Kevin Kabran got the winning goal, firing home the rebound after Bolanos saw his penalty saved.
They had twice been behind but fought back first through Erlend Segberg, and then there was an own goal from Utvik that had made it 2-2. It means they are just two points from safety, but that is all down to their home form.
Start have still not won away from home, and they are the worst away side in the league, even Aalesund have picked up more points. Just three points to show for their travels all season.
Odd on the other hand have been excellent at home, winning 7 of the last 8 and unbeaten in 10 now. In the previous five wins they have had at home, they have also been winning at half time, showing that they are getting ahead in games early, and not letting go.
I can't see anything other than another home win here then, and also expect Odd to win comfortably. Start need points, and so I don't expect they will play for the draw, but Odd has plenty quality in attacking areas, and should be the better team as they continue to chase a European spot.
The reverse fixture in June finished 0-5, and although it might not be quite as one sided this time, I think the matchup suits Odd.
Bet Builder: Odd to win and to score in both halves (2.60)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Bakenga (2.25), Ruud (3.20) or Kabran (5.50)
Sarpsborg v Viking (Draw)
Sarpsborg lost 3-2 at Start two weeks ago which just about keeps them in a relegation battle, although one win would probably be enough to remain safe. They led twice through Saletros and Halvorsen, but couldn't hang on and now they haven't won in four.
Viking put in probably the performance of the weekend, running out 3-0 winners against Rosenborg and completely outplaying them throughout. Berisha, De Lanlay against his old club, and Vevatne got the first half goals, and it could have been more in the second half.
Berisha comes into this one off the back of playing for Norway on Wednesday, and the team will be looking to continue from last time out, their first win since September.
Sarpsborg are much better at home, winning four of their last six home games, and I can see this being a really good game. That clean sheet for Viking last time out was their fifth of the season just, only Godset and Aalesund have conceded more goals this season.
So I expect goals in this one with two teams who are probably better going forward than defending at the moment. Viking had scored in five away games in a row before last time away at Odd, and Sarpsborg have been on good form, only Glimt stopping them score in their last six home games.
Hard to pick a winner, so best to stick with goals, and corners on this one from a betting angle. Sarpsborg averaging over 10 at home, Viking over 11 away from home in terms of match corners, and both teams will be attacking and looking to win in a game with two mid table teams with little pressure on them.
Bet Builder: over 2.5 goals, 9+ match corners, both teams to score (2.87)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Lindseth (4.00), Bytyqi (4.50) or De Lanlay (4.00)
Strømsgodset v Bodø/Glimt (Away Win)
Strømsgodset are in awful form and have been dragged right into the relegation picture after that awful 3-0 defeat at Mjøndalen last time out. The now haven't won for 10 games, and they need to turn it round quickly or they could go down.
Glimt on the other hand are unstoppable in their march to the title. A 7-0 win at home to Aalesund last time out didn't really flatter them, and they are now just one point away from clinching their first ever title.
It was a master class from Ulrik Saltnes last time out, picking up two goals and an assist in a great display. There was also a first goal for Hugo Vetlesen, although he is suspended this weekend. Kasper Junker got two to take him to 18 for the season, Solbakken and Bjørkan adding the other two.
This is not the game Godset would have wanted to turn around their form, and Glimt will absolutely want to win to take the title on a high. They are only seven points away from breaking the record of 71 points by Molde in 2014, and need just five goals to beat the record for goals scored.
This game is definitely one to expect goals, two teams that press, Glimt are so dangerous on the counter and will likely score plenty goals here. They have still scored at least two goals in every game this season which is just incredible.
Godset have conceded 10 in the last 5, so it could be tough for them here, although I wouldn't be surprised if they score, Glimt have only kept two clean sheets away from home all season.
The likely title party on Sunday night and I can't see the home side ruining it. Glimt are in the midst of a record breaking season and their first title will go down in history. What an achievement, what a team, and only six more times we get to watch them before the likely break up in the winter.
edit - Unfortunately Patrik Berg and Marius Lode have both tested positive for covid, both were part of the Norwegian original squad. They will unfortunately miss the game which does still go ahead on Sunday night. It weakens Glimt for sure
Bet Builder: Both teams to score, over 3.5 match goals, Glimt to win either half (2.50)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Saltnes (3.60), Solbakken (3.10) or Hove (3.60)
Tuesday 24th November
Rosenborg v Brann (Home Win)
This game has been moved to Tuesday night due to some players for both teams having to quarantine until Sunday, so it suited both parties.
Rosenborg come in to it off the back of a shocking display in Stavanger, losing 3-0 and by far their worst performance since Horneland left earlier in the season.
Brann lost 1-2 at home to Haugesund last time and are now nine without a win as they get dragged close to the relegation zone as well, just three points clear of Start. They were by far the better team in the first half without scoring against Haugesund, and although Petter Strand had got them level in the second half, they lost it late.
Rosenborg will be happy to be home where they won eight out of nine, and only lost to Glimt at Lerkendal all season. There was snow in Trøndelag for the first time this winter this week, but the surface at Lerkendal is in great condition still.
Brann have picked up more points away than at home this season, but I don't see them beating Rosenborg on Tuesday. Brann have conceded 11 goals in their last four away games, and Rosenborg have scored at least two goals in all but three home games.
They are still pushing for second place Rosenborg, and won't want to slip up at home. Brann have only stopped the opposition scoring three times all season and I can't see that changing here.
Given the way both teams play this should be a game with plenty corners, these are the two teams with the most corners taken all season in Eliteserien. So if there isn't corners in this game, it is a glitch in the matrix!
edit - Markus Henriksen has tested positive for covid, it shouldn't affect the game being on, but keep an eye on it.
Bet Builder: Rosenborg 2+ goals, 11+ match corners (2.33)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Holse (3.50), Islamovic (2.37) or Sander Svendsen (4.00)
Bets of the Weekend
Vålerenga to win and over 2.5 match goals (2.05)
Molde to win and score 2+ goals (2.15)
Odd HT/FT over Start (2.37) NAP
Sogndal HT/FT v Grorud (2.00)
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