Eliteserien Gameweek 2 Review

Game of the Week - Molde v Rosenborg

Saturday night saw the 2018 champions travel to the 2019 champions as Molde entertained Rosenborg.

Molde had looked far more convincing in the midweek games, with Rosenborg looking a little bit lost for ideas in attack against Kristiansund on Tuesday night. 

The warmest weekend of the year in Norway with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees, it meant the players fitness would be put to the test early on in the season.

It wasn't the most exciting first half in Aker Stadium, but there were some decent chances for both sides. 

Zachariassen, headed straight at the keeper when in a promising position, and Adegbenro had a very well hit left foot shot saved by keeper Linde. 

At the other end the best chance of the half fell to the returning Ohi Omoijuanfo. His first game of the season after a minor injury, he was up front with Leke James suspended, and he should have given Molde the lead when a corner came to him at the back post, but he headed just wide.

That was the best chance of an uneventful first half, but Ohi redeemed himself just one minute after the restart. 

First of the season for Ohi

A corner from Eikrem wasn't dealt with by Rosenborg, and when it came to Gregersen, he headed it across goal and it came through to Ohi at the back post to slide in for a simple goal. 

It was a really poor goal to lose for Rosenborg, and it could easily have been two when Ohi went clean through just five minutes later. He couldn't quite compose himself and fired over the bar from the edge of the box under slight pressure from behind.

Rosenborg didn't look dangerous at all, and indeed Brynhildsen could have added another when played in with a beautiful pass from Eikrem. His header was saved but the rebound hit Brynhildsen and rolled towards goal and hit the post.

The last 15 minutes was really the only time RBK had anything resembling an attacking threat. Tagseth had come off the bench, and the triangle of Meling, Adegbenro and Tagseth on the left hand side did combine a few times to create half chances, but nothing Molde couldn't deal with.

It was perhaps the only chink of light in an otherwise uninspiring performance from to Trondheim club, and rumours already of Eirik Horneland being in trouble for his job.

New signing Islamovic looks miles away from a top Eliteserien striker, and they have no attacking sequences at all. 

Molde were comfortable in the end and saw out the game to make it 2 from 2, and it looks like Rosenborg won't be the challengers as they failed to create anything for the second game in a row.

Man of the Match - Stian Gregersen

Molde had a potential defensive crisis after Forren left and Haraldseid got injured for the season, but Stian Gregerson has looked very solid so far this season, and made no mistakes all day here as Molde got their clean sheet.

Molde 1 - 0 Rosenborg


Around the Grounds

Saturday 20th June

The other game on Saturday saw Mjøndalen entertain Sarpsborg 08, and it was Shuaibu Ibrahim who got the only goal of the game, rounding off a nice team move by Mjøndalen, by chesting down a Brustad cross and finishing between the legs of the keeper. 

A second clean sheet in a row for Mjøndalen, as they look solid with there 5 at the back system.

Sunday 21st June

Pellegrino starting where he left off in 2019

Eliteserien went crazy on Sunday as 28 goals were scored across the 6 games. Kristiansund and Aalesund shared nine, as an Amahl Pellegrino hattrick helped the home side to a 7-2 win. Aalesund have now conceded 11 goals in their first two games back in Eliteserien.

There were also goals for Kalludra, Askar, Sørli and Bendik Bye for Kristiansund in their rout, despite an own goal from Pål Erik Ulvestad actually having given Aalesund an early lead.

Fridjonsson scored the other for Aalesund, as Simen Nordli was perhaps there only shining light with two assists.

The other high socring encounter was in Bodø, as Glimt showed they are a serious contender this year with a brutal dismantling of Haugesund inside 50 minutes.

The front 3 of Hauge, Zinckernagel and Junker look like a real threat, and with Saltnes and Berg looking in great form in midfield as well, it was 5-0 before Haugesund laid a glove on Glimt.

Kasper Junker bagged a hattrick, his first three goals for the club for the Dane after his summer move from Horsens, and there were also goals for JP Hauge and Patrick Berg. 

Niklas Sandberg scored a consolation penalty for Haugesund, but there was still time for Sammy Skytte to get his first Glimt goal late on to finish off an emphatic win.

In the battle between two promoted sides in Sandefjord, it ended in a 2-2 draw, as Sandefjord fought back twice from behind to draw with Start.

Mathias Bringaker scored for the second game running to give Start the lead, but a header from Lars Grorud brought it level.

Just before the break it was Jesper Daland who scored after a bit of a scramble in the box after a long throw, but again Sandefjord fought back to earn a point, as another set piece, this time headed in by Rufo Herraiz, undone Start.

In Oslo, Vålerenga and Stabæk was expected to be a tight game, but four goals shared left both teams with one point. 

It was Kosovan international Herolind Shala that opened the scoring after a nice move from Vålerenga, but Stabæk led at the break after two goals of their own. Luc Kassi should have been sent off for a shocking tackle on the half hour mark, but he scored a nice header in the 38th minute, and then his shot was saved, but the rebound fell to Edvardsen to fire home, just two minutes later.

After the break, goalscorer Shala was shown red when he was booked for diving earning him a second yellow, although it did look like a free kick should have gone his way.

But the 10 men of Vålerenga fought back to earn a point, when they earned a pretty soft penalty, that Matthias Vilhjalmsson tucked away. A bad tempered game, not helped by the referee ending 2-2 in the rain in Oslo.

The lowest scoring game of the week saw Strømsgodset pick up 3 points with a 1-0 win over Odd. The only goal of the game came in the second minute, Johan Hove finishing really nicely on the half volley from a Tokstad cross.

The evening kick off saw Brann welcome Viking to Bergen, and after a goalless first half the game came to life early on in the second.

Daouda Bamba was sent through and he calmly lobbed the keeper who was stranded on the edge of his box. He could have had his second just moments later, but he couldn't repeat the feat when presented with an opportunity when Viking gave away the ball in a dangerous area.

It was 2-0 on the hour mark, Gilbert Koomson firing home after a really nice move down the Brann left hand side sent Kristiansen free to cross for Koomson.

Viking missed a golden chance to get back in the game, Tommy Høiland trying a panenka penalty, but goalkeeper Ahamada had not moved and Høiland was left embarrassed. 

The win was rounded off in the 94th minute, Fredrik Haugen sent through fellow substitute, Erlend Hustad to slot home and give Brann a convincing win, and a perfect start to the season.

Two rounds down, and more games on Wednesday and Thursday this week, Eliteserien is well and truly up and running in 2020. 

Results

Mjøndalen 1 - 0 Sarpsborg 08
Molde 1 - 0 Rosenborg
Glimt 6 - 1 Haugesund
Kristiansund 7 - 2 Aalesund
Strømsgodset  1 - 0 Odd
Sandefjord 2 - 2 Start
Vålerenga 2 - 2 Stabæk
Brann 3 - 0 Viking


Gameweek 3 Fixtures

Wednesday 24th June

Aalesund v Brann
Haugesund v Kristiansund
Stabæk v Sandefjord
Start v Molde
Viking v Mjøndalen
Odd v Vålerenga

Thursday 25th June

Sarpsborg v Strømsgodset
Rosenborg v Bodø/Glimt (Game of the Week)

Eliteserien Gameweek 1 - Review

Game of the Week - Aalesund v Molde

Last seasons champions met in Aalesund for gameweek one in 2020. OBOS Ligaen champions Aalesund hosting reigning Eliteserien champions Molde.

There were debuts on either side for exciting youngsters, Simen Bolkan Nordli for Aalsesund and also Ola Brynhildsen for Molde, two young players to look out for this season.

With 200 supporters allowed inside the stadium, it was a strange atmosphere, but they were treated to a really open game for almost all of the 90 minutes.

Eikrem scored the first goal in 2020

The first goal of Eliteserien 2020 was scored after 10 minutes in this game, as Magnus Wolf Eikrem gave Molde the lead. He picked up the ball 25 yards out and tried to play a one-two pass with Leke James. The return pass wasn't great, but Eikrem managed to get the ball back and skip passed a couple of challenge before firing low into the bottom left hand corner. It was 11 goals in 2019 for Eikrem, one of the stars of the league making his mark early on here.

Despite going behind, Aalesund showed a lot of character and quality to get themselves back in the contest. Niklas Castro was causing problems with his movement, and Haugen and Nordli were causing trouble too for what was a slightly makeshift Molde back line due to injuries.

Castro should have had his side level on the 25th minute, but he blazed his spot kick over the bar after his shot had been blocked by the hand of Leke James, earning the Molde striker a booking.

However it didn't take long for the equaliser, and it was an incredible strike by Nordli, seconds after the drinks break due to the heat.

Leke James played a poor pass inside his own half and Nordli strode onto the ball 45 yards out and smashed a curling shot over Linde in the Molde goal, who had been near the edge of his box. What a way to introduce yourself to the fans and the Eliteserien, already a goal of the season contender.

Aalesund continued to press, but they were dealt a huge blow right before the break. A corner from Eikrem ended up at Bjørnbak's feet, his shot was blocked, but Etzaz Hussain was on hand to fire home from 5 yards. There was a question of a foul from James in the build up, but Molde didn't care and went in ahead despite a poor first half display.

Molde came out the second half looking stronger, and indeed made it 1-3 when Leke James tapped home after Haugen had fired a shot come cross in from the left hand side. The initial cross had been poorly dealt with by Andreas Lie in the Aalesund goal, he will be disappointed with his contribution here.

James wasn't done there, but this time for the wrong reason. His eventful day coming to an end when he stretched for the ball and may, or may not, have caught Nordli. The referee saw it as a foul and promptly sent James off with his second yellow card.

This gave Aalesund 20 minutes to get back into the game, but they rarely threatened, and in the end it was Molde who made the points safe, Eirik Hestad firing home from 20 yards with his left foot. A real quality finish from the substitute just five minutes after joining the action.

Molde showed their quality in the end, and Aalesund will have to tighten up defensively. But they have quality up top, and there will be easier tasks to come in the future.

Aalesund 1 - 4 Molde
Man of the Match - Etzaz Hussain


Around the Grounds

Tuesday 16th June

Elsewhere on Tuesday evening, there were goalless draws between Rosenborg and Kristiansund in Trondheim, and also between Stabæk and Mjøndalen.

Last years second placed team, Bodø/Glimt got their campaign under way with a come from behind 4-2 win in Stavanger, against Viking. 

Fredrik Torsteinbo scored a header from a corner, before Ulrik Saltnes finished nicely after a Junker pass to equalise for Glimt.

Viking went back ahead when a beautifullly flicked finish from Even Østensen looped over Khaikin in the Glimt goal to give Viking the half time lead.

The second half was all about the team from Bodø. Firstly JP Hauge got a goal after a great display of pace and a cross to match from Philip Zinckernagel left him with a relatively easy finish.

Then it was Sondre Brunstad Fet on his Glimt debut, tapping in after great work from left full back Bjørkan, who slalomed his way in to the box and chipped over the keeper onto the crossbar.

The scoring was rounded off in the 80th minute as Philip Zinckernagel, who had been a threat throughout, was on the end of a loose ball in the box and calmly sidestepped a defender before firing home for a great comeback win, and evidence that Glimt will be tough to beat again this year.

Over at the Skagerak Stadion the surprise of the night was taking place, as newly promoted Sandefjord managed to win on the road against Odd. 

It was a late show in what had been quite a tight game, but substitute Ze Eduardo came onto the pitch in the 83rd minute, and within 10 seconds had scored the opening goal from a corner. A bullet header to mark his first ever touch in Norwegian football.

It was 2-0 in the 90th minute, as another debutant, 20 year old Sivert Gussiås finishing off a quick counter after Odd had been denied a potential penalty at the other end.

There was time for Torgeir Børven to score a late consolation penalty for Odd, but this was a poor start to the season. Børven, last years top scorer in the league, also confirmed after the game that he will be joining Rosenborg when his contract is up at the end of July leaving Odd with a huge hole to fill.

Dønnum certainly one to watch this season

The final game on Tuesday saw Vålerenga defeat Sarpsborg 08 at Sarpsborg Stadion. It was a tight and fairly even game, but it was 22 year old Aron Dønnum, mentioned as one to watch in my preview, that stabbed home the only goal of the game as the ball fell to him about 14 yards out.

Wednesday 17th June

The final two games took place on Wednesday, with first up Start welcoming Strømsgodset. It was Start who dominated the game, but went in behind when Lars Jørgen Salvesen rose high to head home right at the end of the first half.

Start turned things around though with Bringaker flicking home, before man of the match Eman Markovic marked his Eliteserien debut with a neat finish from 14 yards.

The game finished 2-2 however, as midfielder Hermann Stengel managed to roll in a mishit shot into the far corner, after Salvesen himself had fluffed a shot into Stengel's path.

The final game of the week saw Brann visit Haugesund, where another debutant, Robert Taylor, scored the first goal to give Brann the lead at the start of the second half. 

Niklas Sandberg got Haugesund level from the spot on the hour mark, but it was not to be for Haugesund, and a 96th minute winner from Brann captain, Daniel Pedersen, took all 3 points home to Bergen. It was a real quality header from Pedersen after a nicely whipped in corner from Fredrik Haugen.

With Brann's late winner, it meant we saw five away winners in gameweek one, and nobody winning at home. Playing in front of no support might be affecting the home side more than the away on this viewing.

Results

Aalesund 1 - 4 Molde
Rosenborg 0 - 0 Kristiansund
Odd 1 - 2 Sandefjord
Viking 2 - 4 Glimt
Sarpsborg 0 - 1 Vålerenga
Stabæk 0 - 0 Mjøndalen
Start 2 - 2 Strømsgodset
Haugesund 1 - 2 Brann

Fixtures Gameweek 2

Saturday 20th June

Mjøndalen v Sarpsborg

Molde v Rosenborg  (Game of the Week)

Sunday 21st June

Bodø/Glimt v Haugesund

Strømsgodset v Odd

Kristiansund v Aalesund

Sandefjord v Start

Vålerenga v Stabæk

Brann v Viking

Stabæk and Vålerenga

The 2019 season was a much more comfortable season for Stabæk after surviving relegation playoffs in 2018. They won 10, drew 10, lost 10 and finished 8th place in the league. It did look in the summer that they would be in trouble, but the arrival of experienced Swede, Jan Jonsson, turned things around for them.

The 60 year old has plenty experience in Norway with Stabæk, Rosenborg and Aalesund, and arrived back last year after a few years in Japan with two different clubs.

Based in Bærum near Oslo, Stabæk play at the 4'938 capacity Nadderud Stadion. Despite the small stadium, they do have good recent history in the top flight in Norway, winning the title in 2008, a second place in 2007, and three third places since the turn of the century.

There has been a couple of important players leave since last season though, Ronald Hernandez  one who left, joining Aberdeen. The Venezuelan defender was impressive in his two and a half years with the club.

More importantly though, rising star and one of the best young players in Norway, Ola Brynhildsen, has left for Molde. The 21 year old scored 6 goals last year, but he is much more than goals, his close control and game intelligence is a real standout for someone his age, and Stabæk will miss him a lot.

They have made a conscious effort to bring in young players this winter, with Jesper Isaksen joining from Kristiansund, and two players coming in from England.

One is Norwegian Kornelius Normann Hansen from Southampton, and the other is an English born Chinese Taipei international, Will Donkin.

Donkin, 19, was part of the Chelsea and Crystal Palace systems, but has moved to Norway now to pursue more first team football, and the attacking midfielder could well have a part to play this season.

They way they finished 2019 should give them belief they can finish in the top half again, but goals could well be the issue, although Kosuke Kinoshita has looked sharp in pre season, so he could be the one to start the campaign as the main striker.

Key Players

Emil Bohinen, son of former international Lars, now Aalesund manager, is one of the best talents in Norway. Just turned 21, the central midfielder looks like a really classy player. Tall and hard working, he has a great left foot and was another important player for Stabæk last year.

He has great vision for a pass from midfield, and he also breaks up play really well. A classic box to box midfielder, he is capable of scoring goals, and also has penalty duties and takes set pieces.

A youth international at all ages, he looks certain to go on to full international honours, and I think this year he could be one of the best midfielders in the league. Four goals and five assists last year, but this year you can expect an even greater return, and also look for him to run games from midfield.

The only worry is if they can hang on to him over the summer, with interest from England and France likely to appear as the transfer window opens, and even as I write, it looks like offers are on the table.

Another big young player last year, and already the captain at Stabæk aged 23, is Andreas Hanche-Olsen. The central defender has been a regular for over three years now and will again be the central figure in a strong defense.

Aggressive in the air and on the ground, he is also comfortable on the ball, and has good relationship with left back Jeppe Moe, his good friend off the pitch as well.

Stabæk can also rely on having the 2019's best goalkeeper in the league between the sticks as well. Marcus Sandberg was in excellent form last year, at 29 years old it was his first full season as a number one goalkeeper at the top level.

He was very consistent throughout the year, making very few mistakes and showed his shot stopping abilities on several occasions for Stabæk.

With momentum from autumn, Stabæk should be looking to start this season better than last, and with there not being much between a lot of teams in the middle of the league, they could easily finish anywhere between 5th and 12th.

Prediction 11th

Vålerenga are from Oslo, and historically one the biggest teams in Norway. Five times winner of the top flight in Norway, there most recent was in 2005. They have also won the Norwegian Cup four times, 2008 being the most recent.

Recently however they haven't been able to break in to the top 5, only one time since 2006 when they finished 2nd in 2010. Last year Ronny Deila was in charge and they started the season well, but fell away drastically after the summer break, eventually ending up in 10th, only four points from the drop.

Deila left in the winter to go to New York, and in his place has come Dag-Eilev Fagermo. He left Odd after an incredibly successful 13 year spell, in which his team was very defensively solid, and relied on individual quality for goalscoring.

Another team without a double figure goal scorer, 33 year old Mathias Vilhjalmsson only managed 5 as the main striker, he hasn't had a double figure season since 2013 with Start. The beautifully named, Peter Godly Michael is back from a short loan at Skeid last year, and he could well provide competition this year.

The squad is almost the same as last year, and they do have some good quality in attacking areas. So with Fagermo organising the defensive shape of the team, they should have a good base to work from.

Home games are played in the Intility Arena, which was completed in 2017 and has a capacity of 16'555, although last season averaged less than half full which didn't help the home team as they won only six games at home all season.

Key Players

Last year one of the real standouts for VIF was Aron Dønnum. The 22 year old attacking midfielder broke in to the first team last year, becoming the main creative player for the team.

Usually playing on the right hand side, he is very left footed and has very quick feet. He can run in behind with his pace, but cutting inside is when he is at his most dangerous.

He can pick out a pass as well as scoring with his powerful shot, and he plays with freedom to come inside and get on the ball in areas the defenders find difficult to pick up. This year he could become a real star in Eliteserien, and will most likely improve on the six league goals he managed last year.

Another quality midfielder is Kosovan international, Herolind Shala. The former Norwegian youth, also played youth football for Albania, and made six appearances for Albania, before switching allegiance to Kosovo.

Another left footer, he usually starts a little deeper than Dønnum, but loves getting forward and is a real goal threat. He is another with quick feet and a good shot, and his intelligence in the middle of the park stood out for Vålerenga last year.

The final part of an exciting trio of attacking midfielders, is Bård Finne. The 25 year old Norwegian was top scorer with eight goals last year, after 10 in the 2018 season. Short but very accomplished on the ball, he is also a very calm finisher.

He will likely start from the left hand side, cutting in on his right foot both to deliver crosses and be a goal threat. He is also the set piece taker for Vålerenga, and his dead ball delivery could be a big weapon this season.

With some exciting attacking talent, they perhaps are short of a number 9 to finish off chances. But with the defense likely to be tougher this year, Vålerenga are in a similar position to Stabæk, where they could easily find themselves further up the league than I predict.

Prediction 12th


Here is a look at my predicted table. I think teams from 4th to 12th could easily switch around and finish anywhere as we are set for another season where anyone can beat anyone in Eliteserien.


We can keep an eye on how wrong I was come the end of the season, and please keep following my blog as I will be reviewing every game week, and perhaps maybe picking one game for a report every week.

Mjøndalen and Sarpsborg 08

Last year saw Mjøndalen return to the top flight after three years out, and they managed to survive by one goal to Lillestrøm, thanks in large part to a 1-0 home win against Vålerenga on the final day.

They managed only six wins all campaign, drawing 12 games as they beat pre season expectations of an immediate return to OBOS-ligaen.

This season will be just as tough, with most of the important players hanging around for another season. although young goalkeeper, and likely future Rosenborg number 1, Julian Faye Lund, has returned to Lerkendal after his loan spell last year in Mjøndalen.

Based in Mjøndalen, around 55km away from Oslo to the south west, they play home games in the Consto Arena, with a capacity of 4'350 it is the smallest in Eliteserien.

Last season they won five times at home, and only once on the road, and 2020 the home form again will be crucial if they are to survive another year.

They do have a good core of players at a good age for progression, although their squad is quite small. However, the talismanic figure of Christian Gauseth is 36 this month and he has been a big part of the team for seven years now, so he will be one they have to stop relying on so heavily at some point.

One other player that will be missed this year is Pontus Silfwer, who has returned to Sweden after only 6 months in Mjøndalen, and was an important player for the second half of last season.

Incoming replacements don't look like they will take the league by storm, with defender Markus Nakkim a bit part player at Vålerenga last year joining, as well as some loan returns that might make an impact, including Vamouti Diomande, if he can remain injury free.

Also returning goalkeeper Sosha Makani is a reliable goalkeeper, so should give them a good reliable option between the sticks.

One signing that could have an impact is Lars Olden Larsen from KFUM Oslo. The 21 year old can play midfield or on the wing, managing to score 9 goals last season, helping KFUM to 4th place in OBOS-ligaen.

He looks like a real talent the way he carries the ball forward, and he also can strike a nice ball from distance, as well as being a set piece taker. He could definitely be an important part of the team this year in what will be another tough season.

Key Players

Star man last year Tonny Brochmann ended the season as top scorer with his 8 league goals, and since his arrival in mid 2018 has become crucial for Mjøndalen. The 30 year old Dane plays in midfield, usually slightly more advanced and is very good technically.

Short in stature, but he is confident taking the ball in tight areas and has very quick feet. Also he arrives in the box late, and likes to link up with the striker as well. It was the second time in his career he has scored 8 league goals in the top flight(Stabæk 2017), and this season with likely penalty duties, he could be on for more of the same.

Another key man, and a Mjøndalen legend, is Joackim Olsen Solberg. He played 8 seasons with the club before a couple of years away at Sandefjord, but after rejoining in summer 2018 he quickly became a cornerstone of the team, sometimes at left back, but last season more often in central midfield.

Now 31 he is reaching the twilight of his career, but he is often creating goals, 8 in the league last season, which was not an outlier from his usual. His left foot is accurate from crosses and he is a very accomplished passer in the middle of the park, and a reliable corner taker too.

Mjøndalen will have plenty defending to do, and Dutch centre back, Quint Jansen is probably the stand out in that department. The 29 year old moved to Mjøndalen in 2017, and the last two seasons really made himself a regular part of the team.

Tall and aggressive, he reads the game pretty well and had a nice relationship with Sondre Johansen last season. Both of them should be playing together again, there partnership very important if the club, who haven't played consecutive seasons in the top flight since the turns of the century, are to continue for a third year in 2021.

Prediction - 15th

Sarpsborg 08 are another side that struggled all the way until the final day last year, eventually finishing on the same points as Lillestrøm and Mjøndalen, ending the season with a tense 0-0 away draw at Lillestrøm.

The lowest scorers in the league with only 30 goals, they conceded only 40, showing what type of football you were likely to see from Sarpsborg last season.

Managed last season by Geir Bakke, he has now moved to Lillestrøm and so incoming manager Mikael Stahre will be charged with improving the sides attacking threat so they can move up the league.

His previous job was a relatively poor spell at San Jose Earthquakes, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on at his first Norwegian club. He brings plenty experience for a 44 year old, with spells in China, Greece and USA, as well as his native Sweden.

Sarpsborg play at the Sarpsborg Stadion, situated about an hour south of Oslo down towards the Swedish border. The stadium holds 8'022 and has been there since 1930, although has been redeveloped more recently than that.

There has been quite a lot of turnover at Sarpsborg this year, with there best player from last season, Kristoffer Zachariassen leaving for Rosenborg the most high profile departure.

Matti Lund Nilsen will also be missed after his move to Reggina in Italy, but there has been some interesting people in the door, and also Sarpsborg have some exciting young players that could be set for a break out this year, notably Strand Larsen and Coulibaly.

Last year the Europa League campaign probably didn't help their league form at the start of the season, so without the distraction this year, it could be back to the form of 2018 when they finished 8th, although unlikely to be as lofty as their 3rd place in 2017.

Key Players

At 20 years old, Jørgen Strand Larsen is definitely set for an important season upfront for Sarpsborg. Last year was his first year playing more regularly, but this year he will likely be the main man up front.

The tall striker has excellent hold up play, particularly for his age, but he is also a confident finisher when he gets in the position. Not lightening quick, but quick enough that he can be a threat in behind as well, if he can get a couple early goals this season he could see himself in double figures, and one of the next youngsters on the move to a bigger club.

Centre back Magnar Ødegaard returned to Sarpsborg in summer last year, and immediately made himself the main man at central defense. A former youth at Sarpsborg, he has gone on to have spells with Molde, Lillestrøm, Tromsø and AIK, with mixed success.

Now 27 he has returned to Sarpsborg and will be a big figure in the defense in 2020. He is a leader at the back, aggressive in the tackle, and can also be a threat in attacking set piece situations.

With Sarpsborg perhaps not the most offensive team in the league, he is crucial at both ends in set pieces, and crucial in defending the box.

Another youngster that broke into the first team at the end of last season, and could be set for a big year, is Gaute Høberg Vetti. Maybe he won't play every game, but the young midfielder has big potential. He gets about the pitch very well, is comfortable on the ball and strong too, there is competition for places in the midfield, but he is one to watch this year.

Sarpsborg 08 will be hoping to have a better season than last, although I am not convinced with the managers history, and Zachariassen leaving will be a big loss. I think they might struggle again, although I wouldn't be too surprised if they outperform my prediction.

Prediction 13th

Strømsgodset and Sandefjord

Strømsgodset, from Drammen just outside of Oslo, had a really poor 2019. They saved themselves with a win on the final day in Kristiansund taking them two points clear of the drop.

They were also knocked out of the cup by third tier Fram, and despite it being for health reasons, Bjørn Petter Ingebritsen was replaced in June 2019 by incoming Dane, Henrik Pedersen. Formerly at Red Bull as a youth coach, before stints at HB Køge in Denmark, and Eintracht Braunschweig in Germany, this is his first job in Norway.

Last season they conceded 54 goals, the third worst in the league, and at the other end they managed only 41 goals. Top scorer with only 7 goals, was Lars Jørgen Salvesen, despite only playing 13 games after his summer move from Sarpsborg. They will be hoping he can kick off this season like he finished 2019.

Two young loanees who came in Summer 2019, Ipalibo Jack and Duplexe Tchamba both became important players in the run in, so it will be crucial to hang on to both in 2020. Central midfielder Jack has an option to buy for the club at the end of the summer, but strong defender Tchamba so far will be returning to Strasbourg at the end of June.

Last years best defender, and ever present, was captain Jakob Glesnes. He has left this winter for Philadelphia Union in the MLS.

They have made some interesting signings in preparation for 2020, and they should not be in the same trouble they were last time around. No doubt they won't be in contention to become champions like they were in 2013, when Ronny Deila led them to glory for just the second time in their history.

They have a decent crowd behind them at Marienlyst stadion, and they should be looking to finish far higher up than last years 11th spot, two points off the drop.


Key Players

Mikkel Maigaard joined SIF last summer after impressing with Raufoss in OBOS-ligaen, and he quickly became an important part of the midfield for Henrik Pedersen's men.

The 24 year old Danish attacking midfielder is a goal threat, often breaking late into the box, and also has great vision for a pass. He managed four goals in the second half of last season and also adding four assists as he became crucial in saving SIF from relegation.

A potential captain this year for the club, look for him to be involved in more goals this year and to show up as one the top midfielders in the league.

Lars-Jørgen Salvesen was the difference maker for SIF in keeping them up with his 7 goals in 13 games after his summer move. Unable to score goals for Start in the top league, he dropped down and scored 8 in 11 for Ull/Kisa, and that persuaded Sarpsborg to take him in for 2019.

After six months and only two league goals, Strømsgodset and Sarpsborg did a swap involving 31 year old Mos Abdellaoue going the other way. Now 24, Salvesen looks like he has found his feet in Eliteserien with SIF.

He may not be the quickest, but his movement in behind is good, he is tall and good in the air, and possesses a very powerful left foot. His finishing is very calm as well, and with the confidence of the manager he could be one to watch out for in the scoring charts this season.

Another forward player that joined last summer after a prolific two year spell at KFUM Oslo, is Moses Mawa. The 23 year old scored 17 in total last season, four of them after his summer move to SIF. Tall, quick and a confident finisher, he has all the assets of a top Eliteserien striker.

It has the makings of a very decent strikeforce, with Mawa usually being preferred on the left hand side from the wing, although he is a real danger when he gets in behind.

Strømsgodset look like they have done some good business in the winter with the arrival of former Scottish Cup winner with Hibernian, Niklas Gunnarsson, arriving to help out the defense, along with two exciting looking internationalists. Young Icelandic centre back Ari Leifsson, and also Latvian winger Janis Ikaunieks.

These, along with the team that finished last season stronger than started it, should be pushing Strømsgodset towards the top half of the table.

Prediction 6th

Second placed in OBOS-ligaen last season was Sandefjord, the club founded in 1998 coming into the top tier for what will be their 9th season. From the city of Sandefjord, south of Oslo, they, along with Start and Aalesund were the 3 biggest supported clubs in the league last season, so no surprise they are all promoted.

They play games in the Sandefjord Arena, and are managed by the only non Nordic manager in Eliteserien this year, and by far the best dressed manager in Norway. The 37 year old Spaniard Marti Cifuentes has been in charge since May 2018, and he managed only three wins that year as Sandefjord finished bottom of the top tier.

It was easier in the second tier, as they lost only three all year, winning 19 and being automatically promoted along with Aalesund.

Unfortunately for Sandefjord it was a winter where they lost quite a few regular players for different reasons. The main one was top scorer in the division last season, Pontus Engblom, the 19 league goal striker has moved back to GIF Sundvall in his homeland, Sweden.

Also a huge chunk has been taken out the middle of the park with experienced duo Håvard Storbæk and Erik Mjelde both retiring after five seasons with the club. Other midfielders leaving were Mohammed Ofkir to Sarpsborg and Spaniard Tito was released from his contract. All of these played over 20 games last season, only Mjelde not being a regular starter.

Also the recent sale of the clubs best defender, Marius Høibråten to Bodø has not improved the mood at the club as preparation for 2020 in Eliteserien has not been ideal.

They have brought in some replacements, with Erik Brenden coming in from Lillestrøm, Kristoffer Hansen after two very good seasons with Ull/Kisa, and also former Brazilian youth international, Ze Eduardo, from Swiss side FC Wil.

Also young striker Sivert Gussiås has come in from Molde after he impressed with 12 goals on loan at Strømmen last season in the OBOS. He could well be given his first chance of Eliteserien football this season with Engblom leaving.

It will be tough coming up without a few of their top players from last year, Sandefjord will be battling all season to avoid heading straight back down.

Key Players

Ruben Herraiz Alcaraz, known as Rufo, is one player that has shown his quality in Eliteserien before, scoring 7 goals in 12 with Sandefjord back in 2018.

The left footed Spaniard was in the Espanyol youth side as a youngster, but his years in Spain were only playing in Segunda B level. He moved to Norway in 2018, and now 27 he is a very important player for Sandefjord.

Playing all across the front 4, usually behind the striker he is very comfortable on the ball and also an accomplished finisher with his left foot. He also links the play quite well from the 10 position, his form will be vital in keeping Sandefjord off the foot of the table.

Another important Spaniard in the side is defensive midfielder Enric Valles. The 30 year old has been at Sandefjord for over four years now, and has experience of two full seasons in Eliteserien.

Although not the most mobile, he is very comfortable taking the ball in tight areas, and does read the game well. He needs somebody beside him to get around the pitch a little more, but he dictates the tempo of play from the middle of the park, and his left foot has a great range of passing.

To complete a trio of important left footed players, it is left back Anton Kralj. The Swede signed at the start of last season and played nearly every game, proving to be a real threat from the left hand side. Short in stature but loves getting forward, he has a great left foot delivery and managed five
assists last season.

Having just turned 22 years old he looks like one who could really push on and have a good career in Norwegian football, and a good year with Sandefjord here could earn him a nice move, either to another club in Norway, or back home to Sweden.

Without Engblom, goals with have to come from elsewhere, and it looks likely that the striker position will be shared between 19 year old George Gibson, and 20 year old Sivert Gussiås. One of them will have to get themselves in to double figures this season if Sandefjord have any chance of avoiding the drop.

Prediction 16th

Odd and Start

Odds Ballklubb, formerly known as Odd Grenland, are based in the city of Skien, about two hours south west from Oslo. They play home games in the 12'000 capacity Skagerak Arena, which was built in 1923, but renovated almost completely in 2008.

Last season was a solid season for Odd, finishing 4th in the league, although they had led up until gameweek 13, falling away a little in the Autumn.

It was their home form that was especially strong, going unbeaten all season, only Molde winning more games at home, as they won 12 out of 15 games scoring 31 of their 45 total goals at Skagerak Arena.

This season they will need to improve their away form, but the big issue they have is with star striker, and Eliteserien top scorer from 2019, Torgeir Børven.

Børven, 28, scored 21 league goals last season for the club, a real breakthrough year. He had never previously scored in double figures for any league campaign, so this was a standout year. On the back of it there appears to be interest from Turkey, and with his contract running out in July, it looks like he will be gone before the season really gets going in Norway.

He was so full of confidence in 2019, scoring all types of goals, and was a real threat in the air in particular. How they will replace his goals in 2020 could determine where they end up this season.

They have also lost one of their potential future stars, with Filip Delaveris joining Vitesse in the winter, the 19 year old looking like a very decent prospect from the Odd system.

Replacing those two, who could have combined for a lot of goals this season will be tough.

The other big loss is long time coach Dag-Eilev Fagermo, who has moved to Vålerenga. The 53 year old had been head coach at Odd since 2007, and a real tough act to follow. 

Stepping in to his shoes will be former player and assistant to Fagermo, Jan Frode Nornes. He steps up after being assistant for 12 years, and it will be interesting to see how that works. 

Getting the respect of the players as a manager will be important, and he will have to shape the side into what he wants, if he has his own ideas after so long under Fagermo. 

Key Players

Kosovan international Elba Rashani is a real star in this Odd side. There is interest in the 27 year old winger, but at the moment he remains an Odd player, and they are hoping he is at least there for the 2020 season.

Only three league goals last term wasn't a great return for the winger, although he did chip in with 7 assists. The left footed forward has good close control, is very sharp on the ball and was a good foil for Børven last season. 

Expect Rashani to play a bigger role this season in terms of goalscoring, with Børven leaving he will need to be more prolific than the three last year.

Birk Risa

Another left sided player who had a good season last year was Birk Risa. The 22 year old can play left back or midfield, and his energy up and down that side is something that attracted interest from Rosenborg last season. 

He came through the ranks at FC Koln in Germany, making a couple of appearances in the Bundesliga, before signing for Odd in 2018. A regular for the youth teams of Norway, two good seasons with Odd behind him, he could well be close to the senior team.

He is strong defensively, and also a threat in the opposition box from set pieces. Very comfortable coming forward on his left foot, with another years experience behind him, look for him to be one of the standout left backs in the league.

The man that has been brought in to potentially score some of the goals that Børven will leave behind, is Onyekachi Ugwuadu, or Kachi, as he is known. The 23 year old Nigerian striker scored 10 goals in OBOS last season with Sandnes Ulf, and will be hoping he can step up this time to Eliteserien. 

Quick and strong, he isn't the natural finisher that Børven is, so it will be interesting to see how he is used in the Odd system. I'd be surprised if he became a regular goalscorer at Odd, but he has assets that are often successful in Eliteserien.

Last season Odd won a lot of games by, well, the odd goal. So I think this season they won't be as competitive from the start of the season. With Børven leaving, he might not play before his contract runs out, his goals will be hard to replace.

They still have quality in attacking areas, and lots of experience in defense, so they should finish in the top half again, although a top 4 position is likely to be out of reach this time around, and potentially it could be a tough year for Odd.

Prediction - 8th

IK Start were the final team confirmed in Eliteserien 2020 as they won the playoffs, relegating Lillestrøm. After winning the first leg 2-1, Start found themselves 4-0 behind in Lillestrøm four days later, with 15 minutes to go. A seven minute hattrick from Martin Ramsland turned the tie on its head in an incredible spell, and Start were promoted to the shock of Lillestrøm, and the surprise of everyone watching.

IK Start are based in Kristiansand in the south of Norway and play games at the 14'563 capacity Sør Arena, which opened in 2007. Since then they have been a bit of a yo-yo team, being relegated and promoted the following season four times now.

They have history in the top flight, with two titles in 1978 and 1980, however recently they have struggled to cement their place, and this year will be tough as well, especially with star man from 2019, Aron Sigurdarson, leaving to join Union in Belgium. 

Sigurdarson was top scorer and top assister for Start last season, 13 and 10 respectively. He will be sorely missed, although the rest of the team remains the same from the third best team in OBOS last year.

Icelandic manager Joey Hardarson was in his first season as head coach last year, the former Start midfielder will be tasked with keeping Start in Eliteserien for longer than one year this time around.

Key Players

Jonas Deumeland

Given that Start will be likely at the bottom half of the league, they will be looking to rely on the best goalkeeper in OBOS last year, German, Jonas Deumeland.                                                                                      

The 32 year old keeper has been at Start for two years and has been a consistent shot stopper in that time. 

He has been joined at the club however by 23 year old Amund Wichne. Wichne is one of four quadruplet brothers from Oslo, and joins one them, Eirik, at Start after a spell as number two keeper with Viking. 

Wichne will be looking to push Deumeland for that number one jersey, but the experience of Deumeland will be crucial for Start as they make the step up.

Amund's brother Eirik Wichne has been at the club since 2015, and the young right back has been a regular for four years now. Last season however he really stepped up his consistency, proving to be the best right back in the division.

Quick and very attacking from full back he is a good technical player and is a threat down the right hand side. With over 100 games behind him for Start, he will be looking for another strong season in the top flight this time, and potentially earning himself a move to a bigger club.

Last seasons playoff hero, Martin Ramsland will be the one tasked with scoring the goals to keep Start in the division. His hattrick against Lillestrøm took him to 8 goals in the half season he had at Start in 2019, after his summer move from Sogndal. 

He had missed the whole 2018 season with a groin injury, so it was nice to see him back in the goals in 2019, and Start were happy to take a chance on his goals with a summer move.

His two previous seasons in the top league with Sogndal resulted in 5 and then 7 goals, so he will be looking for double figures with Start. He plays on the shoulder of defenders and his movement his decent. With confidence high after 2019, he could well be on for a strong 2020.

One final name to look out for amongst the goals, is Mathias Bringaker. The 23 year old got 5 goals as a 21 year old in the 2018 season with Start, adding another 7 last year. He could well be a decent option in attack with another years playing time behind him.

In 2018 Start scored only 30 goals, conceding 54 and having the worst goal difference in the league. It's difficult to see that they have improved enough since 2019 to suggest they will be strong enough for Eliteserien. 

There are a number of players around 23-27 years old however that could well step up and improve again, so with games against Strømsgodset and Sandefjord to start the season, before a home game against Molde, we should know more by then.

An interesting development with Start is that agent Stig Lillejord has alligned himself with club, and despite criticism that an agent should not be associated with a club, he is likely to be able to help Start bring in some of his many clients.

If they have a poor start to the season, the 1st July could be interesting to see who Start have lined up to come in, no doubt a few names on Lillejord's books.

Prediction - 14th