Eliteserien 2021 - Preview 1

With five weeks to go before the start of the new season in Eliteserien, I thought it was time to begin looking at the 16 teams competing this season.

Bodø/Glimt will be defending their first ever title with the added bonus of some Champions League qualifiers to look forward to in the Summer.

Lillestrøm and Tromsø are back in the top flight after one season out, they replace Aalesund and Start who couldn't survive their first season after promotion.

With plenty comings and going already in the transfer market, and no doubt more still to come, lets start by taking a look at our defending champions.

2020 Position - 1st

Stadium - Aspmyra Stadion (5,635)

Head Coach - Kjetil Knutsen

Club Captain - Ulrik Saltnes

Bodø/Glimt became the first ever champions of Norway from the North of the country when they stormed to the title last year, breaking all sorts of records along the way. Most points, most wins and the most goals were all broken, as only Molde could beat them in the season as they recorded 26 wins, scoring 103 goals, reaching 81 points in 30 games.

Phillip Zinckernagel was the star with his 19 goals and 18 assists, but he has since moved to Watford, meaning the two star wide men from 2020 have departed. They coped after Jens Petter Hauge went to Milan mid season, but can they cope without both their creative forces.

Kasper Junker is still there, the top scorer from last season in the league with 27 goals, but he is keen to move and although it didn't happen in January, the likelihood is he won't be here passed the summer.

Sondre Fet after his excellent season on loan from Aalesund has joined permanently now, and so far they have added two other players to the squad. Young striker Erik Botheim was highly thought of at Rosenborg, but his loan didn't work out at Stabæk last year, so he has been allowed to leave.

The other signing is left back Axel Lindahl from Degerfors, who last season played in Superettan, the second tier in Sweden. Interestingly he played right wing in the friendly against Brann recently, so potentially he could be used further forward. He did manage 9 assists in the league last year from left back, so he clearly has creative quality.

Star Man

Although it is hard to say Glimt have one star man, as the team ethic and style is a big part of what they do, but Patrick Berg is the deep lying midfielder that makes it all work.

His ability to break up play is as good as anyone in the league, especially the speed with which he transitions in defense.

But added to that is his calmness on the ball, he very rarely gives it away, and also the fact he looks forward with his first pass in the offensive transition. 

He is the link between defense and attack, and he allows Saltnes and Fet either side of him to get forward and into the box.

There is thought to be interest in Berg, which isn't surprising, but he is here, and the lure of Champions League football potentially with his home town club must be pretty exciting. 

Conclusions

Glimt caught everyone by surprise last year with the dominance they showed, and I think they will find it very tough to replicate. 

With so many players with interest from elsewhere, it will be interesting to see who they keep all year. Berg, Bjørkan and Junker in particular might all have their chance of a decent money move, and it is hard to turn that down.

They have still got good quality in midfield, and Vetlesen who signed mid season will be strong for them this year I think. They will be up challenging again, just because of the way they play and the defense and midfield they have.

But I think this year, they might just find it difficult to maintain their levels, and possibly could fall in to the clutches of a couple of big spending teams.

Prediction : 3rd

2020 Position - 2nd

Stadium - Aker Stadion (11'249)

Head Coach - Erling Moe

Club Captain - Magnus Wolff Eikrem

Runners up from last season, Molde, will be hoping to get back to their best in 2021 in the league. They have exceeded all expectation in the Europa League, qualifying through the group then last week knocking out Hoffenheim to go through to the last 16. They will meet Granada in that round, and it gives them some great preparation for the season starting on the 5th of April.

They are largely the same squad that couldn't stay with Glimt last year, but they were clearly the second best team in the league and should be strong to go again and win back the title they won in 2019.

Leke James is the only starter to leave, the Nigerian striker has moved to Saudi Arabia after a successful spell scoring 33 goals in 59 league games.

Also leaving are Henry Wingo, who has moved to Ferencvaros in Hungary, and Matthias Mostrøm who as hung up his boots.

The two main arrivals so far are both in attacking areas, with 18 year old Ivory Coast forward Davide Fofana joining, along with a return to the club for 29 year old striker Bjørn Sigurdarson. Sigardarson scored 16 league goals in 2017 with Molde, but couldn't replicate that form with Rostov in Russia.

He came back to Norway last Autumn with Lillestrøm, but Molde have brought him back in to replace James, and compete with Omoijuanfo up top.

Last year Molde were only 6 points off their 2019 total, so they weren't a million miles away, and they have the bulk of the squad to make another title challenge.

Star Player

Molde have possibly the best midfield trio in the division, only Glimt and Rosenborg can run them close, but the main man is at the head of the trio, and that is Magnus Wolff Eikrem. 

Eikrem is the creative number 10 in the team and he is given license to play pretty much wherever he wants in the system. Hussain and Aursnes are very good central midfielders that allow Eikrem freedom behind the striker.

He has the best vision and awareness in the league, and although he lacks that sharpness and pace he might have had earlier in his career, at 30 years old he is still crucial to their success.

Seven goals and ten assists last season in the league, he sometimes struggles to play two games a week, so the shortened season meant he wasn't playing every single game.

This year I expect his numbers to improve as he has more recovery time between league games.

Conclusion

Molde were well beaten by Glimt last year, but it was such a special team that probably won't replicate it again. 

Molde have showed how good a side they are with the Europa League run, and with the defense and midfield they have I think they are favourites to lift the title this year.

They have excellent young full back, two good strong central defenders, a great midfield 3, and they have quality in wide areas too. 

Ohi and Sigurdarson will need to score goals, that might potentially be a weakness for them, but this team has goals from everywhere, and they will be very hard to beat.

Prediction - 1st

Gameweek 30 Preview

It has been a bit of a mess working out when games are the last two weeks, but Tuesday sees the last round of Eliteserien 2020. 

It has been a thoroughly enjoyable season with Bodø/Glimt running away with the title in amazing fashion, the battle for Europe involving 5 or 6 teams, and still into the final week we don't know who will be joining Aalesund in relegation.

Glimt beat Viking on Saturday 3-0 to finish off their season, and Molde hammered Sarpsborg 5-0 as well to confirm a strong end to the season for the 2019 champions.

But Tuesday will have the final six games of the league season, before a playoff between third bottom of the league and either Sogndal or Ranheim, who will play off for a place to gain promotion with Lillestrøm and Tromsø.

Tuesday 22nd December

Kristiansund v Haugesund (Home Win)

Kristiansund can still officially catch Rosenborg for 4th place in the table after they drew 2-2 with Stabæk last time out. Two goals in the last 10 minutes, one from Faris Pemi and the other from Psyche means they are three points behind Rosenborg, but would jump them on goal difference with a win if Rosenborg lose at Sandefjord.

Haugesund lost 0-4 at home to Glimt the last time they played, and given they are mid table with absolutely nothing to play for, it wouldn't surprise me if they have lost some intensity this late into December.

I fancy Kristiansund to go out and win this one fairly convincingly. The pressure is off now in terms of European spots now that they are big outsiders for it, and they can enjoy their last home game. 

The big talking point will be Amahl Pellegrino chasing the top scorer title. Kasper Junker scored two at the weekend to take his tally to 27 for the season, and Pellegrino knows he will need a hattrick to beat him by one goal.

5 of the last 7 Kristiansund, and 5 of the last 6 Haugesund games have gone for 3 or more goals, so I am expecting goals here, and wouldn't be surprised if Pellegrino is among them.

I wouldn't be surprised if both teams scored either, with Haugesund scoring in 9 away games in a row now, and Kristiansund only having two clean sheets in their last 13 games.

Corners can be expected too, with Haugesund games having at least 9 in 12 of 14 games, and Kristiansund the same in 11 of 12 games. 

A game with little pressure, although both teams will attack and Kristiansund will be trying to win desperately just incase Rosenborg slip up, and also to help Pellegrino.

Bet Builder: Kristiansund 2+ goals, 9+ match corners and both teams to score (2.40)

Goalscorers: Pellegrino (1.40), Faris (2.00) or Therkildsen (4.33)

Mjøndalen v Aalesund (Home Win)

Mjøndalen find themselves in the relegation spot above Aalesund needing a win to give them any hope of survival. They lost 1-0 at Rosenborg last time, a very late goal deciding the game after they had defended deep and wasted time for the full game.

They currently sit three points behind Start with a 3 goal worse goal difference and fewer goals scored. So they need to win, and hope start lose. They also need a 4 goal swing, so they will be looking for at least a 3 goal win here.

Aalesund can take down Mjøndalen with them with any sort of result, but they appear to have completely given up of late. They lost 1-4 at home to Strømsgodset and although they did start the game brightly, looked to completely stop playing after going two behind.

This game is all about what Mjøndalen can do to get ahead of Start and into the playoff spot. They need a good win, and I expect they will get it. They could not have asked for a better fixture, now they need to take advantage of it. 

Unfortunately for the home side, they have only managed to score more than one goal in a game, four times this season. Astonishingly bad record, it almost deserves relegation, but they can survive just.

They beat Aalesund 1-3 earlier in the year, and would take something similar here. They need to attack, and given Aalesund have nothing to lose, they will likely look to hit on the break.

It might be a nervy game, but there has to be goals, there is no chance this can end goalless, it would make no sense.

They have won 3 of their last 5 home games, so they need to make it 4 of 6, and a solid win by two or three goals would likely see them jump Start.

Aalesund have the motivation of being able to take Mjøndalen down with them, it could play a part here.

Bet Builder: Mjøndalen to win the 2nd half, over 2.5 goals, Both teams to score (3.10)

Goalscorers: Brustad (2.37), Brochmann (2.37) or Nakkim (7.00)

Sandefjord v Rosenborg (Away Win)

Sandefjord can enjoy their winter knowing they have another year in Eliteserien. Last time out they drew 1-1 with Odd, Marc Vales scoring a late equaliser., and this game will be the last game for manager Marti Cifuentes. He has done an incredible job and will be looking for a big send off from the players.

Rosenborg need at least a point to guarantee 4th place, but a win could see them move into 3rd if Vålerenga slip up at home to Start. Zachariassen scored the 95th minute winner against Mjøndalen, his 12th goal of a successful season personally.

Rosenborg knowing they need a win to have any chance of third place should be able to beat Sandefjord. But the home side will make it tough as they always do, and keeper Storevik in particular has been in excellent form. He has saved all of the last 5 penalties he has faced, incredible stuff.

I think Rosenborg will get a win here though, even if Sandefjord will want to get a result for departing manager. With Reginiussen suspended, missing his last chance to play for RBK, they might have a defensive issue, so I can see both teams scoring here.

Rosenborg's form had dropped off a cliff, but they have won two in a row, and if they can finish they season with three, it will give them some momentum.

As usual in their games, I think corners will be in play here, only two RBK away games have had fewer than 10 corners this season, 9 at Start and 6 at Brann.

I don't think it will be a goal fest, but Rosenborg nearly always score, and they will keep attacking until they do.

Bet Builder:10+ match corners, over 2.5 match goals (2.33)

Goalscorers: Zachariassen (3.40), Gussiås (3.00) or Islamovic (2.60)

Brann v Odd (Home Win)

Brann haven't had a good season but now safe they can concentrate on next year. They drew 1-1 at Start in their last game, although Bamba missed a late penalty to continue his poor conversion rate of chances this season.

Odd have completely blown their chance of a good finish and now sit in 7th place after being in the top 3 for most of the season. Just two wins in 11 games, and losing 5 out of the last 6, they are in shocking form.

At the weekend they lost 3-1 at home to Strømsgodset, a team who were fighting for safety. Rashani got their goal, but it was not a good display and now they need a win to jump Viking and finish the season in 6th place.

I fancy the home side to get a win here, just so they can try and have some momentum going into next season. The home record isn't great, so they will want a win to give the fans something to cheer before the winter break.

Odd have completely lost their edge and are conceding goals, 16 in the last 6 games, only managing to hold Sandefjord to fewer than two goals.

Brann have scored in every home game but one this season, and have also the same record for conceding. Just the first home game of the season they kept a clean sheet against Viking.

Only twice this year have Brann home games had fewer than 9 corners, and given both teams have nothing to gain from sitting in and playing out a boring game, I think this one will have plenty.

So a final day game that means little, but I expect goals from both teams, and I can see Brann winning against Odd who have completely gone off the rails.

It will be the last game for Brann for club legend Fredrik Haugen. 247 games over 10 seasons, he has 26 goals, I wouldn't be surprised if he hit a penalty or grabbed a goal in this one.

Bet Builder: Brann to win either half, Brann to score 2+ goals, 9+ match corners (2.60)

Goalscorers: Bamba (2.10), Ruud (4.00) or Haugen (3.75)

Strømsgodset v Stabæk (Draw)

No wins in 12 games, and five defeats on the bounce, Strømsgodset looked doomed for relegation. But they stopped the rot with a draw against Haugesund, hammered Aalesund away, and then on Saturday went to Odd and won again to guarantee safety.

Lars Jørgen Salvesen got one at Aalesund then followed it up with a hattrick at Odd to save his side from relegation, and possibly keep his manager in a job.

Stabæk have been safe for a while now and drew with Kristiansund last week, which makes it just one win in eight. They were two up thanks to goals from Edvardsen and Øveraas, but lost two late goals meaning they only took a point.

This game means nothing in terms of survival or European spots, so it will likely not quite have the same intensity as some other games. The relief for the home side was huge on Saturday, now they can relax and this game is between two teams with their minds on the winter break.

Hard to predict as a result of that, but I think given the teams we will most likely see goals for each team, and probably a few goals too.

I don't see either of these teams defending deep so it should be an end to end game, and corners as a result could very much be in play.

Bet Builder: over 3.5 match goals, both teams to score (2.05)

Goalscorers: Salvesen (2.20), Maatsen (3.75) or Hove (2.87)

Vålerenga v Start (Home Win)

Vålerenga are still unbeaten at home this season and still have a hold on 3rd place after a 2-2 draw at Viking in their previous game. Dønnum had given them a two goal lead with a double, but they lost that with two late goals conceded.

Start have a shocking away record with only 6 points and one win all season. They need a draw here to keep them in the relegation playoff spot ahead of Mjøndalen. They could still sneak it with a narrow defeat, but that would be lucky given who Mjøndalen are playing.

I fully expect Vålerenga to keep their home record in tact, and go and win this game to guarantee third place. They are unbeaten in 10 total, but have drawn five of them, so they will be keen to turn that into a win this week.

Start need something to happen, and even some momentum would give them confidence going in to what will be a tough playoff with Sogndal or Ranheim.

Vålerenga have scored in every home game, and Start have conceded in every away game, so don't expect Start to keep a clean sheet, so they will need to score to get a result.

For me they play better football than Mjøndalen, so it would be nice to keep them in the division, but this game will be hard for them.

One ear will be on the other game in Drammen, but Start need to look after themselves, and will probably look to keep it tight in the first half, and access the situation at the break.

Bet Builder: Vålerenga to win either half, 2+ Vålerenga goals and 9+ match corners (2.10)

Goalscorers: Dønnum (2.60), Nasberg (10.00) or Ramsland (3.00)

Bets of the Week

Kristiansund HT/FT v Haugesund (2.30)

Brann to score in Both Halves v Odd (2.50)

over 2.5 goals and BTTS in Sogndal v Ranheim (2.00)

Eliteserien Team of the Year

Time for the full time of the year today after my young team of the year that I posted on Tuesday.

Most of the team picks itself after the incredible season Glimt have had, but some positions were harder to pick down. Same rules apply regarding 20 games, lets see who I have in my team of the year!

Goalkeeper

Probably the position I have found most difficult to pick, but in the end I have settled on
Jacob Storevik from Sandefjord. He has been a huge part of why the team has performed well above expectations this season in avoiding relegation.

Nine clean sheets, the second highest in the league, as well as saving 5 out of 8 penatlies. Storevik has looked really solid and for me just edges Linde as goalkeeper of the year.

Right Back

Another one of the tougher positions, but in the end I have gone with Espen Ruud. What a season the veteran has had for Odd. The 36 year old still gets up and down from right back, and with 6 goals and 10 assists he has been a huge part of the Odd side that is still challenging for a European spot.

Left Back

One of the players in the YTOTY, Fredrik Bjørkan has impressed me so much this season as a left back. Gets forward so well, defends strongly in 1 v 1's too. Has a really big future the 21 year old, Glimt will do well to hang on to him.

Right Centre Back

Picking the second centre back to play on the right has been another tough one, but someone who I think inspires his teammates, and is a very tough defender to play against is 34 year old Tore Reginiussen. Still at his age is one of the best Eliteserien defenders.

Strong in the tackle, aggressive, and reads the game well, he has been one consistent in a poor season for Rosenborg. He is also comfrotable on the ball, and despite his age, doesn't get done for pace very often. 

Probably a controversial pick, but for me he has been solid every time I have watched him.

Left Centre Back

Marius Lode is the other defender, he has been really excellent for Glimt this year. Often having to defend in counter situations, he deals with it really well, but more than that, he has been really important in building attacks for Glimt, and scored a contender for Goal of the Season against Kristiansund earlier in the season.

Central Midfield

Patrick Berg will sit at the base of a midfield three, an absolute star in the Glimt team, would in a normal season be the player of the year, but the attacking numbers of his teammate will probably take that away from him.

A top player in the making, comfortable on the ball in all areas, excellent defensively on transition, and a good eye for a pass on the attacking transition. The full package, a really really good footballer.

Right Central Midfield

Molde have not quite lived up the heights expected of them domestically, although they have qualified for the last 32 in the Europa League. One man for me has held them up and at times carried them through games. That man is Etzaz Hussain. 

Eikrem is the chief creator of the team, but he has had injury problems and not quite done it enough, but Hussain has been as consistent as anyone in the league. A leader on the pitch, Hussain has chipped in with 8 league goals, and generally been their main midfielder.

Left Central Midfield

It has been a great season for Glimt captain and local boy Ulrik Saltnes. His link up with Hauge and Bjørkan was top class early in the season, and in general he has been playing at the top level all year. 

12 goals and 13 assists, it has been a season that Saltnes has become one of Eliteserien's best midfielders.

Right Wing

Player of the year in Norway, and a man who is having the best ever season in the Norwegian top flight statistically, Phillip Zinckernagel has been incredible all year.

19 goals and 18 assists shows the level he has been at, but he offers more than just numbers. His work rate off the ball and set piece delivery have been crucial all season in taking Glimt to levels never seen before in Norway.

Left Wing

Amahl Pellegrino did well when joining Kristiansund least summer, but not many would have expected him to explode like he has this year.

25 league goals has him joint with Kasper Junker, just an incredible season especially considering he usually plays off of the left and not up top. He has scored 24 goals with his right foot, 1 with his head, and his goals are often so similar, but stopping him has proved difficult.

Striker

Joined top scorer with Pellegrino, but in fewer games, is Kasper Junker. The Dane signed in the winter and has shown he is a top finisher with 25 goals in just 23 starts. 

Averaging better than a goal a game, he also has 7 assists and h


is link play is very decent too. A really good striker that might not be in Eliteserien for long.

Some Others

Some players that I considered but were a little unlucky to miss out:

Magnus Wolff Eikrem (midfield)

Andreas Linde (Goalkeeper)

Christian Borchgrevink (Right Back)

Ivan Nasberg (Centre Back)

Zymer Bytyqi (Left Wing)

Kristoffer Zachariassen (Midfield)

Veton Berisha (Striker)

Eliteserien Young Team of the Year

It has been an incredible season in Eliteserien with Bodø/Glimt running away with the league title for the first time in their history, and I have enjoyed watching so many games this season.

With just one more gameweek to go I thought I would take some time to go through the players that have impressed me this season, starting with those young ones.

Norway has started to produce some talent that is making the world take notice of, with Haaland and Ødegaard leading the way. But there are still plenty playing in Eliteserien, so lets take a look at 11 of them as I pick out my young team of the season.

My own rules will be the players have to be 21 or younger at the start of the year, so born in 1998 or later. Also that they must have played at least 20 games in the  league this year, so that rules out guys like Jens Petter Hauge, who left mid season.

Goalkeeper

There is only one goalkeeper who is in the running for this and that is Kristoffer Klaesson. The Vålerenga keeper just turned 20 in November and he has been the number one for his club all season long. He made a couple of mistakes early in the season, but since then he has grown into his role and become one of the leading stoppers in the division.

His shot stopping is as good as anyone in the league, and his decision making is getting better and better. Good with the ball at his feet and becoming more and more comfortable organising his defense, he is almost certainly one for the future in the national team, and Vålerenga will do well to hang on to him for another season as their number one.

Right Back

Two young players have had very impressive seasons at right backs for their teams. One is Alfons Sampsted who is part of the Glimt team that have been so impressive. But just edging it for me into the YTOTY is Christian Borchgrevink. The Vålerenga right back has really shown his qualities this season, especially on the attacking front. 

His partnership with Aron Dønnum on the right hand side has been one of the main attacking weapons for Vålerenga, Borchgrevink is constantly overlapping and his delivery is really excellent. Probably has some work to do on the defensive side of his game, but his four assists, as well as plenty other chances he has created from open play and his set piece delivery, means it has been a very successful season for the 21 year old. His first full season as a starter he will only improve and expect him to be even better next year.

Left Back

The stand out left back in the division is without doubt Fredrik Bjørkan at Glimt. Having just turned 22 in August, the Norwegian u21 international has a big future and without a doubt will be on that has some interest in him this winter.

Really comfortable on the ball going forward, he underlaps and overlaps equally well, and linked up incredibly well with Hauge before he left for Milan. Quick, strong in the tackle and a decent 1 v 1 defender, Bjørkan has a big future, hopefully we get to see him at Glimt again next season.

Centre Back #1

The first central defender in the team is going in to the last weekend with the potential of relegation still hanging over him, but for Start this season he has been really impressive everytime I have seen him. Jesper Daland has played every game this season for the Kristiansand club and also made his international U21 debut this season.

Aggressive and quick enough, Daland has been Start's best defensive player this year and given this was his first season playing for the club, it was really impressive. He looks set to be a player that will definitely remain in Eliteserien next year, even if Start do go down I can see him getting a move to another club. He turns 21 in January and is probably the stand out young central defender playing in Eliteserien for me.

Centre Back #2

If it had been half way through the season I'd have certainly had a place for Kolskogen of Brann, who looked really strong in the early part of the season, but he has faded away and perhaps lacks quality on the ball to become a top defender. 

Another who deserves a mention and is maybe a little unlucky to be left out, is Henrik Heggheim at Viking. Comfortable on the ball and a strong defender, he maybe lacks enough pace to step up a level, but he has been really good this year. He is only 19 though, and could well develop into a top player for Viking and maybe beyond.

So, the other place in my YTOTY goes to Odin Bjørtuft, central defender for Odd. Turning 22 years old this month, Bjørtuft has really impressed me both defensively and in the way he brings the ball out from the back. 

Recently when playing beside Hoff, he has showed real aggression and leadership in winning aerial duels and being the ball winning defender. But he is very good on the ball and looks a real prospect. He has played nearly every game this season in a young team that has been really good to watch. Definitely deserving of a place for his performances throughout the whole of the year.

Central Midfielder

There is a lot of talent in the midfield area in Eliteserien, and it has been really tough to pick out three. But the one that would sit in the middle and make the play tick, keep the tempo up and control the game, is Emil Bohinen. Son of Lars, Emil is carving out his own career and has been a crucial player again for Stabæk this year.

The left footed 21 year old is tall and strong on the ball, and really controls play from midfield. He also hits set pieces and penalties this year, scoring five goals. But his main quality is in possession during open play, and he looks set to move on to a club abroad this winter potentially. The under 21 international has played over 50 league games the last two seasons, and is ready to step up a level.

Right Central Midfield

Probably the biggest young talent currently playing in Eliteserien in my eyes, is Joshua Kitolano.
Playing in the midfield three for Odd, he has started nearly every game and at 19 years old is a huge talent.

The way he receives the ball on the half turn and uses his body to hold players off is something that is hard to teach. He has a really big future, and after the season he has had, he could well be another one that finds himself at a bigger club in 2021.

Left Central Midfield

There are so many choices for the other midfielder, but for a struggling team, Johan Hove of Strømsgodset has been outstanding. More of an advanced midfielder than Kitolano, he often finds himself in the box and has shown his eye for goal with 10 league goals his season.

Off the ball the he very good on the high press and can win the ball back high up the pitch for is team. Just 20 years old, Hove has played every game this season and really impressed throughout. Comfortable on the ball, and eye for goal, and hard working, Hove won't be in Eliteserien for long.

Right Wing

The man of many tattoos and some awful haircuts, Aron Dønnum has really stood out any time I have watched him for Vålerenga. Left footed and playing on the right hand side he has linked up so well with Borchgrevink all season, as well as being a real danger when cutting inside.

He works really hard, can be a little petulant when he loses the ball or things don't go his way, but his quality is without question. Eight goals and five assists, and more successful dribbles than anyone else in the league, Dønnum at 22 had been linked with moves to Turkey and elsewhere already.

A real talent and someone full of self belief, Dønnum is a joy to watch. 

Left Wing

Obviously Jens Petter Hauge would have had this position nailed on before his move to Milan, but there is another youngster who has shown real potential this season, and he is a teammate to Dønnum. Osame Sahraoui turned 19 this year and has got better and better all year. 

His low centre of gravity and dribbling ability is what sets him apart from others in his position. His decision making needs to improve a little, but that will come. He has shown he has an eye for a pass and real quality on the ball that mark him out as a special talent. A real break out season for him, next year look for him to increase his goal and assist output and become one of the best attacking players in the league

Centre Forward

Unfortunately no central striker has really stood out in terms of young players. Gussiås at Sandefjord has had a decent season, but not enough to get in this team. So I give this place to a guy who I love, but generally plays on the left wing. 

I think he could play through the middle in the future, but his performances for Haugesund have been really solid all season, and Kristoffer Velde deserves to be in here. The 21 year old works really hard and is a really tough player to play against. He is aggressive and has shown an eye for goal with eight league goals.

He doubled his goal tally for last year, and hopefully he can progress again and reach double figures next season.

Some Others

Some other players that were perhaps unlucky to miss out after decent seasons for young players were Hugto Vetlesen, Carlo Holse, Emil Konradsen Ceide, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Olaus Skarsem and the previous mentioned defenders.

Another who I think had a really strong end to the season and one to look out for is Oliver Edvardsen. The Stabæk wide man has really stepped up since Vetlesen left for Glimt, and I am backing him to have a big season in 2021.

Gameweek 28 Preview

Three games to go in Eliteserien and still some things are undecided at the top and the bottom. With Odd having two games cancelled this week due to Covid, they now need to play five more games in the two weeks we have left of the season. 

Molde look nailed on for second place now, but the race for 3rd and 4th European spots could still be any two from Rosenborg, Vålerenga, Odd, Kristiansund and Viking.

At the bottom it was another bad weekend for Strømsgodset who have lost five in a row and will battle it out with Start and Mjøndalen to see who goes down, who is in the playoff and who stays up.

This weekend we have six games on Sunday, followed by one game on Monday, with Odd still unable to play until Wednesday.

Unfortunately I didn't have the time to do a gameweek 27 preview, as those midweek games were played on Wednesday night, but lets take a look back at what was a very successful weekend for me on the blog.

Gameweek 26 Review

I only provided two bets but both were winners at the weekend.

Glimt to win v Rosenborg (1.90)

Molde and Brann win Double (2.02)

Added to that was 5/7 successful bet builders, including all four of the 1800 games that kicked off on Sunday. A very nice four fold paying around 36/1 on that, which made for a nice weekend all in all.

Sunday 6th December

Bodø/Glimt v Stabæk (Home win)

Glimt hammered Rosenborg on Sunday 5-1 with a ruthless display and some ruthless tweeting by the official Glimt twitter post game. After Rosenborg gave Glimt a guard of honour pre match, Glimt put five passed them with Junker, Solbakken, Zinckernagel, Møberg and Konradsen all getting one each. The Glimt twitter promptly thanked RBK for standing pre match, but said they shouldn't have kept it up for the full game. 

Glimt then went away to Start on Wednesday night, and the longest trip south all season resulted in probably their worst display. A 1-1 draw in Kristiansand, the first time all season Glimt have failed to score at least two goals in any game.

Stabæk have had two tight games, first they beat Mjøndalen with a first minute goal from Bohinen making the difference. They then drew 1-1 with Vålerenga, as Marcus Antonsson finally got off the mark for the club after his summer loan from Malmø.

Interestingly this game is a big one for Glimt, as Stabæk are the final team in Norway this season that Glimt have not beaten, after a 2-2 draw away from home at the end of July. They also just need one point to beat the Molde points record, and I am certain with three games left, 100 goals is on their mind, so far they have 91.

So this could be a tough one for Stabæk, Junker is still chasing Pellegrino as well for the top scorer, and he looks keen to catch up, taking the penalty against Start that Zinckernagel would usually be on.

Obviously we expect goals, at least two from Glimt, back to their normal. But Stabæk do pose a threat, with Antonsson getting his first goal, and Edvardsen looks really lively now as well. Another thing to watch for here is Vetlesen against his old club, he will be very interested in scoring and should be in the box more often than usual.

I can only see a Glimt win here, and I have a feeling with Stabæk mid table and nothing to play for, it could be a big win as Glimt chase the 100.

Bet Builder: Glimt to score in both halves, over 3.5 match goals (2.60)

Goalscorers: Solbakken (3.00), Vetlesen (3.00) or Edvardsen (4.00)

Brann v Sarpsborg (Draw)

Brann all but confirmed they will be safe this season with an easy 3-1 win over Aalesund at the weekend, a dismal season but they can now rebuild for next year. A hattrick from Daouda Bamba taking him on to 10 for the season. I talked about him having the highest xG in the league, so it was about time he produced.

They then promptly lost 2-0 at Viking in a game that looked like they knew they had secured safety at the weekend. It will be interesting now to see how they react against Sarpsborg.

Sarpsborg themselves are six points clear of the relegation playoff spot, but could do with one more win to make sure. They lost a late goal at Vålerenga on Sunday to draw 1-1, then followed it up with a 1-1 draw at home to Kristiansund. Dyrestam was red carded in the first half with score 0-1, so they did well to fight back with ten men, and pick up a valuable point.

This game then still has meaning for the away side in particular, and I do think a draw would suit both parties. Although in saying that, Sarpsborg winning would basically guarantee safety. So they won't be sitting back like they did at Vålerenga, and I can see both teams scoring in this one as a result.

Dyrestam is out and he is a big miss at the back, and they still have injury issues up top. So it might not be an easy afternoon for them, but I can see them getting something from the game because of them needing it more than Brann.

Bamba will be keen to finish the season well with goals, and Brann who have won only 3 times at home all year will be keen to put on a show for their fans. 

Also only two Brann home games have both teams failed to score, a 1-0 defeat to Mjøndalen and 3-0 win over Viking in the first game.

Only two Brann home games all year have had fewer than nine corners, so something else to look at here in a game I think both sides will be on the attack.

Bet Builder: Both teams to score, 9+ match corners (2.15)

Goalscorers: Bamba (2.40), Saletros (8.50) or Barmen (3.75)

Mjøndalen v Start (Draw)

This is the game of the weekend, no doubt, and Mjøndalen come into it off the back of a  1-1 draw in Haugesund in which keeper Makani saw red for a tackle outside the box. 

They had been ahead through Liseth, but didn't hold on, losing an 88th minute equaliser which would really have hurt. 

At the weekend they were beaten 0-1 at home to Stabæk, and as a result this game is must win, and probably their last chance for hopes of staying in Eliteserien.

Start took a big point off of Glimt, an own goal had given them the lead, but they conceded a soft penalty and both sides had decent chances to win the game before finishing 1-1. 

The weekend game was very disappointing, losing 4-1 at Viking with a Kabran goal in injury time making the score look slightly better than how the game went.

So this game in Drammen is massive as a win for Start would take them to 29 points, with potentially 31 or 32 looking like the guaranteed safety line. 

Mjøndalen need to win to catch up with the teams above them, they would go two behind Start and level with Strømsgodset, provided they don't pick up any points.

All season long it has been goals that is the problem for Mjøndalen, just 22 scored in 27 games, it is clear why they are down the bottom end of the table. They have won 4 times at home all season, the last one a huge 3-0 win over Strømsgodset, so they will be looking to repeat that feat in another crucial game.

Start have been decent in recent weeks, picking up 7 points in the last 4 games, including big wins at home to Sarpsborg and at Odd. They look a better side than Mjøndalen, but this game might not be about much quality, but instead about nerves and fight.

I don't think there will be many goals, a 1-0 either way or potentially a 0-0 that neither side really wants. 

Probably a game that will be hard fought, plenty of cards and fouls. A set piece might swing it one way or the other, but I can't call it, and a draw is probably the most likely result.

Bet Builder: Under 3.5 match goals, Both teams to score NO (2.37)

Goalscorers: Liseth (3.00), Schulze (3.75) or no goal (13.00)

Molde v Aalesund (Home Win)

Molde meet Aalesund late on Sunday and will be on a high thanks to a successful week, first beating Haugesund 3-1, then following it up with an identical win over Dundalk in the Europa League.

Last Sunday it was Hussain and Brynhildsen that had twice given them the lead early in the game, before an own goal early in the second half sealed a comfortable win.

On Thursday it was Eikrem, Omoijuanfo and Ellingson that had them 3-0 up and cruising before they lost a late goal to Dundalk. It leaves them needing just a draw in Vienna against Rapid to progeress in Europe, and also five points clear in second place in the league with a game in hand.

Aalesund lost both games this week, first losing 3-1 at Brann, then back home losing 0-1 against Sandefjord. The main positive being a first goal for 20 year old striker Vetle Fiskerstrand, hopefully he has a bright future with the club.

This game really should be very comfortable for Molde, knowing they probably only need one more win to guarantee second spot, this one should be it. They didn't have too difficult a game on Thursday, and some players got a rest, so I expect an easy Molde win.

These two met in game one of the season, Molde winning 4-1 in Aalesund, a sign of the season to come for Aalesund. I think we can definitely expect some goals for Molde here, they have scored 17 in the last 6 games. 

Aalesund have been a little tighter recently with their back five, but Molde will have too much quality. Aalesund are officially relegated now, so we might see some young players too before the season ends to see if they are ready for next year.

Of the previous 11 games, there has been at least 9 corners in 10 of the Molde games, so given the way this game will set up, it is pretty likely again.

Leke James was rested and played just 12 minutes on Thursday, I expect he will start and is a very likely scorer in this one.

Bet Builder: over 2.5 match goals, Molde to score in both halves, 9+ match corners (2.10)

Goalscorers: Ellingson (2.87), Sigurd Haugen (4.50) or Hussain (2.25)

Sandefjord v Viking (Away Win)

There were big celebrations after Sandefjord beat Aalesund on Wednesday as they all but confirmed their stay in the top flight for another season. Deyver Vega scored a quality goal, something he is threatening to do a lot of, hitting the woodwork on several occasions since moving to Sandefjord.

Viking have really picked up their form of late, first hammering Start 4-1, then easily beating Brann 2-0. Two wins that have brought them in to the running for a European spot despite the turmoil going on regarding the manager being sacked.

Sebulonsen, Fridjonsson and a double for Torsteinbø proved too much for Start to deal with, and Brann lost out to goals from Berisha and Ibrahimaj. It has put them just three points behind Rosenborg who sit in the 4th European place right now.

This is a game that I can see Viking winning as Sandefjord might well just take their foot off the gas a little. Avoiding relegation was the sole aim at the start of the season, and now it has basically been achieved, they might just drop a few percent in their performance.

Viking smell the opportunity of the European spot, and they have scored 3, 2, 4 and 2 in their previous four games, so expect them to continue attacking and looking for goals. Sandefjord have failed to score in 4 of their last 5 home games, and haven't managed a win in 6 at home.

Viking can make it five wins in a row and I fancy them to do so. It might be tight because Sandefjord generally keep it tight in general, but with the pressure lifted, I think Viking will take advantage. 

Bytyqi will miss this one for Viking it looks like, but they should still have enough attacking quality. I fancy them to be able to grab a couple goals and hopefully it should be a good game.

I like corners in this game too, at least nine in 9 of the last 10 Viking games, and 14 of the last 16 Sandefjord games.

Bet Builder: 2+ Viking goals and Viking to win either half (2.25)

Goalscorers: Berisha (2.50), Ibrahimaj (4.33) or Vega (2.62)

Strømsgodset v Haugesund (Home Win)

It was a disappointing weekend again for Godset as they lost a 1-0 lead at Kristiansund thanks to two penalties. The first one was really soft, the second one looked more nailed on, but it is still disappointing considering Godset had started well and gone ahead through Moses Mawa.

Their game against Odd was cancelled in midweek, so now they have a game in hand but are two points behind Start now as they sit in the relegation playoff spot.

Haugesund lost at Molde last weekend 3-1, before drawing 1-1 at home to Mjøndalen, an 88th minute equaliser gaining them a point. I get the feeling having secured their place in the league Haugesund are lacking a spark, so this might be a game for the home side to finally get back to winning ways.

Godset have not won in 12 games, their last win was a 3-2 win away at Haugesund, so they need to complete the double this weekend.  I think they will, purely because they want it and need it so much.

I think both teams will score, Godset have only kept two clean sheets at home all season and Haugesund have scored in 7 games in a row. They have conceded 9 in the last 4 away games, so this one should have goals, and I think the home team will come out on top.

Another game I think corners is likely, especially given that Haugesund have no pressure and Godset will be desperate to win and be on the attack.

17 of the last 19 Godset games had had at least 9 corners, and 10 of the last 12 Haugesund games the same, so its more likely than not.

Bet Builder: Both teams to score, 9+ match corners, over 2.5 goals (2.60)

Goalscorers: Ingimundarson (2.75), Therkildsen (4.33) or Mawa (2.75)

Monday 7th December

Vålerenga v Rosenborg (Draw)

It has been a fairly disappointing week for Vålerenga as they first drew 1-1 at home to Sarpsborg, saved by a last minute equaliser from Felix Horn Myhre.

They followed that up with another 1-1 draw, this time at Stabæk. Kjartansson scored the opening goal in the first half but they lost the lead in another even game. That is three 1-1 draws in a row, but Vålerenga are up to 3rd and 3 points clear of Rosenborg.

If it has been disappointing for the Oslo club, Trondheim's club Rosenborg have had a shocker. First they lost 2-3 at home to Brann, then they went to the Champions in Bodø and lost 5-1. Three defeats on the bounce and Rosenborg are in danger of losing a European spot altogether.

Vålerenga are still unbeaten at home this season and only Rosenborg and Start can change that. This is a huge game though that could go a long way to deciding who finishes third this season. 

Rosenborg have been really awful the last few games, but Vålerenga have struggled a little too. I can see this game being tight but given the home form of Vålerenga, they are slight favourites. I personally think it will be a draw which will make the race for European spots incredibly tight.

It should be an exciting game however, both teams are better on the front foot than the back. I reckon goals and corners for both teams. We know Rosenborg are the corner kings, and given the way Vålerenga play with width, and have good counter attacking players, it will be an open and interesting encounter.

The reverse fixture was an even 1-1 at Lerkendal, a result that wouldn't surprise me again.

Bet Builder: Both teams to score, 10+ match corners (2.21)

Goalscorers: Finne (2.87), Zachariassen (4.00) or Kjartansson (2.20)

Bets of the Week

Glimt to score in both halves (1.80)

Viking to beat Sandefjord (2.37)

Åsane to beat Strømmen (1.95)