Gameweek 22 in the Eliteserien this weekend, and for the first time we can no longer talk about an unbeaten Glimt side. Beaten 4-2 by Molde last weekend, they finally lose a game.
This weekend we have 7 games in the league, with Viking and Haugesund playing on Tuesday due to the corona regulations meaning Viking couldn't play this weekend.
Two games on Saturday followed by five on Sunday, then the other game Tuesday means a full fixture list to preview for me.
A look back at gameweek 21 for me shows an absolutely shocking weekend on the prediction front, and so lets hope I can bounce back this week.
Brann to score 2+ goals (2.0) - Brann were shocking
Bodø/Glimt Draw no bet to beat Molde (2.0) - When I wrote this, Glimt were missing far fewer players from their team than when Saturday came around
BTTS Double - Kristiansund v Rosenborg and Sandefjord v Vålerenga (2.44) - Poor this
Tromsø HT/FT v KFUM Oslo (2.10) - Tromsø had a rare off day and missed some decent chances in a 1-1 draw.
There was the usual bet builders in which 3/7 were correct, so all in all a pretty poor weekend.
So lets hope for better things as we move on to Gameweek 22!
Saturday 24th October
Start v Sandefjord (Draw)
Start went away to Strømsgodset last weekend and drew 1-1, which on paper looks like a good result. However it was points dropped, as after 36 year old Christian Bolanos had given them the lead from the penalty spot, Godset went down to 10 men, but still fought back.
Start have only won 3 points away from home all season, so they will be happy to be home again, where they have earned 16 points.
Sandefjord lost 0-3 at home to Vålerenga on Sunday night in what was a really disappointing display, especially in the second half when they never really offered any threat to get back into the game.
As a result of last week, this game is huge with just four points separating the two teams, Sandefjord sitting just once place above Start who are in that relegation playoff spot.
Start have won four of their last five home games, so I make them favourites for this one, although Sandefjord have actually picked up more points away from home this season, as they prefer to counter attack.
Wins at Molde and Mjøndalen recently, as well as running Glimt and Vålerenga close in away games show they are a good side on the road.
I can imagine this being a nervy game, but I see both teams scoring in this one. Sandefjord have scored in eight consecutive away games, and Start have that good recent home record.
Start need to win, Sandefjord will hit on the break, it should be a decent game in Kristiansand. Neither side has notable injury or suspension issue, although Daland might miss out for Start, the young defender has been impressive this year, but did pick up a knock last weekend.
This will be a close game, a game that means a lot to both teams, and one that no result would really surprise me come full time.
Bet Builder: Both teams to score, under 4.5 goals total (2.15)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Ramsland (2.50), Vega (3.00) or Schulze (3.50)
Brann v Stabæk (Draw)
Brann went to Mjøndalen last week and they were absolutely shocking as they went down 2-0. They are now getting dragged into trouble and have not won in the last six games.
They have only won 2 of their last 14 games, and on Saturday they lacked any creativity as they were outfought by fellow strugglers Mjøndalen.
Stabæk on the other hand bounced back from their 4-0 defeat two weeks ago, to record a 4-0 win of their own against Aalesund last weekend. Typically inconsistent, they show real quality some weeks and real vulnerability others, meaning they are impossible to predict.
Goals last week came from Bohinen, Edvardsen, Solheim, and a debut goal for defender Gustav Valsvik. Aalesund were awful, and the goalkeeper was poor, but it was a good win for Stabæk.
The last win Brann had was at Stabæk, and they really need to repeat the feat and get 3 points this week. They sit level with Sandefjord and just four points clear of safety.
Stabæk have not won back to back games all season, so it is tough to predict that they will do it here, although they are far longer odds than they should be, with Brann at even money.
The home side have won just twice in Bergen all season, picking up nine points, and with these two sides both used to playing on grass, and given the wet weather recently, it will probably be a tight game.
Only 1 Brann home game has had fewer than 9 corners this season, so something to add to the bet builder.
Brann might sneak an important win, they need it, and Stabæk haven't won away since 12th July, only doing so twice this season. Depending on what Stabæk turns up, Brann could get away from trouble, but a draw is also very likely as they looked so poor last weekend and totally bereft of confidence.
Bet Builder: 9+ match corners, both teams to score (2.15)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Svendsen (2.40), Skytte (5.50) or Edvardsen (3.10)
Sunday 25th October
Aalesund v Odd (Away Win)
Aalesund are doomed to relegation and are not showing much sign of fight right now as their one win this season has long since been forgotten. 4-0 last weekend and they hardly laid a glove on Stabæk.
Odd meanwhile have dropped to 6th after they had their game was postponed last weekend. Now five points behind Molde who sit in second, Odd need to get back to winning ways if they are going to challenge for the silver medal.
The last time these sides met Odd won 3-2 thanks to a last minute winner, but I expect with Odd having European football to play for, and Aalesund already effectively down, this should be an away win.
Odd have won 6 out of their last 10 games, but recently just had some tough away fixtures at Molde, Glimt and Rosenborg. They also drew 4-4 at Haugesund despite being 4-1 up going into the 87th minute.
Aalesund have lost eight in a row, so they are not only doomed to relegation, but in awful form, losing 13 goals in their previous four fixtures.
Odd have scored 14 in their last five games, so I think with the quality they have in attacking areas we should be looking for goals in this one. Only four times in 21 games have Aalesund matches had fewer than three goals, usually because they can't defend.
Odd should get back to winning ways on the road here, I can't see Aalesund being motivated enough, or having the quality to stop them.
This game should see John and Joshua Kitolano playing for Odd together after John signed to replace Birk Risa. So nice to see brothers playing together, with their other brother Eric in great form for Tromsø this season.
Bet builder: Odd to win either half and over 2.5 match goals (2.00)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Simovic (2.30), Rashani (2.30) or Haugen (3.75)
Molde v Strømsgodset (Home Win)
Molde became the first team to beat Glimt this season with a 4-2 win at Aker Stadion last Saturday, and they deserved it over the piece. It was disappointing Glimt had so many players missing, but Molde were very good, especially in the first half.
Two goals from Eikrem and one each from Ohi and Hestad had them 4-1 in front after going behind. Helped largely by the Glimt keeper, this was a big win for them as they go for second place.
Back in European action with the Europa League on Thursday, they will have just two days free between a game against Dundalk in Ireland before they welcome Strømsgodset. But they will be full of confidence after turning round that game and winning 2-1 in Ireland.
Godset showed good fight last weekend to get their point with 10 men after Ipalibo Jack was sent off for two yellows, the second although a little careless was perhaps a bit harsh.
Moses Mawa got back amongst the goals, firing home from close range, and Lars Jørgen Salvesen nearly won it late on as they showed the kind of spirit they need to get away from relegation trouble.
Six draws on the bounce for Godset, they need to start winning some games, sitting as they are, five points clear of Start.
With good wins in Brann then against Glimt, I do fancy Molde to win this one, although it won't be as easy as suggested, coming off the European game. Strømsgodset press hard and high, so it won't be an easy game for the home side.
The reverse fixture finished 0-4, but Godset were excellent in the first half that day, only losing a cracking goal right on half time from Hestad that set the pattern for the second half.
Godset have players to cause trouble, but Molde with momentum behind them should get the job done.
In what should be an attacking encounter, corners will be something worth looking at here, and I do expect, given the style of play of both teams, there to be goals in the game.
Bet Builder: Both teams to score, 9+ match corners (2.20)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Eikrem (2.10), Salvesen (3.50) or Hussain (2.62)
Sarpsborg v Rosenborg (Away Win)
Last week Sarpsborg lost 2-0 at Haugesund, and there continues to be a big difference between their home and away form. Just two wins away from home and 8 points, compare that to their 6 wins at home and 19 points.
Rosenborg went to Kristiansund last weekend and played out a 0-0 that will not be remembered as a game for the purist. It was a game lacking any real chances and was a very tough watch. The first time Rosenborg have failed to score since the 26th of July.
Rosenborg dropped behind Molde again last week, so they will be out to try and get back into 2nd place this week. They had gone eight games in a row scoring at least two goals before last weekend, and I think they can get back to goalscoring form this week.
Sarpsborg are a good home side though, so this won't be easy. They have won 4 of their last 5 games at home, only Glimt managing to take 3 points away from them in that spell, but I do think Rosenborg can be the 5th away team to win here this season.
The reverse fixture finished 5-1 at Lerkendal, and Rosenborg look much more solid now as well with Eyjolfsson in defense looking like a really good signing.
Zachariassen is another player to keep an eye on this week. The former Sarpsborg man is top scorer with 10 goals for Rosenborg this year, and the midfielder will be very keen to come back to Sarpsborg and steal the show.
Despite both sides blanking last week, I think this could be a really good game. One negative that tips in the way of Rosenborg is the suspension to Bjørn Utvik in defense for the home side. He is a big player and commanding defender who will be missed this weekend.
Corners as usual in Rosenborg games can be expected, with at least 10 corners coming in 11 of the previous 12 matches.
Bet Builder: Rosenborg 2+ goals, 9+ match corners (2.66)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Zacahriassen (3.75), Islamovic (3.00) or Lindseth (5.00)
Vålerenga v Kristiansund (Home Win)
Vålerenga put in probably their best away display of the season last Sunday night with a 0-3 win at Sandefjord. Two goals from Kjartansson and a late third from Aron Dønnum mean that they are only two points off second placed Molde
Kristiansund drew 0-0 at home as they continue to struggle for home form this year, just 16 points coming at home compared to 19 away from home.
Vålerenga are still unbeaten at home this season and they will de tested this week by the second best away side in the league. Kristiansund have a very solid base with Coly and Psyche both strong and aggressive defenders.
With the addition of two holding players that rarely venture forward, it can be quite hard to break them down and get that first goal.
Vålerenga are so impressive at home though, seven wins and three draws, scoring 24 goals and conceding just 11, I expect they can score goals with the quality they have in attack. Sahraoui, Dønnum and Kjartansson is a very exciting front three, and with Bjørdal breaking from midfield, they cause defenses a lot of trouble.
Only once this season have they failed to scored two goals at home, that was in a 1-0 win.
The reverse fixture did finish 0-0, which worries me a little as Kristiansund have had three 0-0 draws this season, two against Rosenborg. So maybe they choose teams to just sit in against.
If there is a goal in the first half, this game will really open up and could be an exciting encounter with both possessing pace in attack and good ability on the counter.
Another two teams who generally have plenty corners in their matches, something to add to the bet builder here.
It might be tough at first, but hopefully the home side get an early goal and this game could really open up and be the game of the weekend between two sides battling for European spots.
Bet Builder: Vålerenga to win either half, 9+ corners, over 2.5 match goals (2.70)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Dønnum (2.75), Pellegrino (2.30) or Bjørdal (5.00)
Bodø/Glimt v Mjøndalen (Home Win)
Glimt were finally beaten this season at Molde last week in a calamitous display from goalkeeper Nikita Khaykin. It was a real shame they had to play without so many regulars, as Zinckernagel, Fet, Sempsted and Moe all missed out through inury or illness.
They will be looking to bounce back this week, although it remains to be seen who will be back in the team, with Moe the only one looking like making it this weekend.
Mjøndalen picked up a massive win over Brann and deserved the three points with a 2-0 win. First half goals from Ovenstad and Twum gave them a lead that they held on to reasonably comfortably.
They still sit second from bottom however, and this week could see them drop further than the six points from safety they currently sit.
Glimt will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways and I think we could be in for a big win here. The last time Mjøndalen went to a top six side they lost 4-1 at Vålerenga and 6-1 at Odd the time before that.
Last week we saw Glimt take the lead through exciting youngster Sebastian Tounekti, the 18 year old looks like he could be the next big thing for Glimt in the attacking areas.
Mjøndalen have conceded 12 goals in losing their last three away games, scoring just twice. So I think they might well be playing damage limitation this weekend. They are aggressive and will fight their corner, but I think the quality of Glimt will be too much.
Glimt have scored at least two goals in every game this season, and given Mjøndalen have only done that three times all season, it is unlikely they can live with Glimt.
Three times the home side have scored six this year, can they do it again, I wouldn't put it passed them here.
Bet Builder: Glimt HT/FT and Glimt to score in both halves (2.00)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Tounekti (2.60), Saltnes (3.20) or Solbakken (2.87)
Tuesday 27th October
Viking v Haugesund (Home Win)
We have to wait till Tuesday for this fixture as Viking look to continue their good run of form before a positive Covid test cancelled their game last weekend. Veton Berisha tested positive without symptoms, so he is going to still be missing for this one.
The home side are unbeaten in eight games and will be keen to continue to push forward up the table towards the top six.
Haugesund won well against Sarpsborg last weekend as Kristoffer Velde scored again, adding to an own goal at the end of the first half. It lifted them up to 10th and six points clear of Start, although it is still very tight down there.
This should be a good game on Tuesday, although Haugesund are definitely not as strong away from home, picking up just two wins on the road.
Viking have scored 3, 3, 5 and 2 in their last four home games, so this should be another game we can expect some goals. Haugesund have conceded 9 in their previous three away games, so more reason to expect plenty goals.
I fancy the home side to continue their good form, even if it has been three weeks since their last game. Haugesund have scored in eight games in a row, so I do expect both sides to get involved in the scoring, Velde is in very good form and someone who continues to impress me.
Viking are probably just a little short for me to want to back them however, especially with Berisha out and Løkberg looking like missing out too.
At least 8 corners in 14 matches in a row in Viking games, so again something to add to the bet builder.
Bet Builder: Both teams to score, over 2.5 goals, 8+ corners (no prices on bet 365 yet)
Goalscorers to add to Bet Builder: Btyqi, Velde or Ibrahimaj
Bets of the Week
Rosenborg 2+ goals v Sarpsborg (2.1)
Odd to beat Aalesund (1.85) NAP
Åsane to beat KFUM Oslo (2.00)
Over 3.5 goals Glimt v Mjøndalen (1.85)
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