Let’s dive into the exhilarating world of Matchday 18 in the Norway Eliteserien, where football fervour reaches its peak. Buckle up as we explore the high-stakes clashes, the underdogs’ defiance, and the title contenders’ relentless pursuit of glory.
Saturday 10 August
13/10 Haugesund | Draw 43/20 | HamKam 37/20 (16:00)
This fixture could be a turning point for either team as they both come into this fixture in desperate need of a victory. Both teams find themselves fighting the pressure of being on the wrong side of the table, separated by a single point, and winless from the previous two outings in the league. Haugesund defeating Viking FK in their last home fixture will give them a huge boost of confidence to deliver a performance worthy of maximum points again while HamKam come into this fixture, despite the recent poor results, on the back of two consecutive away victories and will be eager to secure a third when they meet Haugesund. BTTS and over 2.5 goals.
9/4 Viking | Draw 51/20 | Bodoe/Glimt 19/20 (18:00)
This fixture will take centre stage and attract all the attention this weekend as third-place Viking FK host Eliteserien leaders Bodoe/Glimt. Last time out, Bodoe/Glimt narrowly snatched the 1-0 victory after Ulrik Saltnes scored the only goal of the game. This time round, with both teams performing at a high level, will be an intriguing and entertaining encounter as Viking looks to benefit off home ground advantage, where they won the last four games, while Bodoe/Glimt looks to maintain their momentum and stretch their lead at the top of the table. This will be an open game and whoever executes their game plan to perfection will walk away with maximum points. BTTS and Bodoe/Glimt win.
Sunday 11 August
11/10 KFUM Oslo | Draw 43/20 | Rosenborg 21/10 (17:00)
KFUM Oslo coach Johannes Moesgaard will be pleased with how they have performed thus far and how well they have been able to step up and compete in the Eliteserien. They are currently in sixth place and remain unbeaten across the last four fixtures, with two wins and two draws. Rosenborg returned to winning ways after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tromso following a loss and a draw in their previous outings. It will be hard to pick out who will dominate in this fixture as KFUM Oslo has the worst home record in the league while Rosenborg is the second-to-last worst-performing away team in the league. Back the home win here.
14/10 Odd | Draw 24/10 | Sarpsborg 31/20 (17:00)
Odd finally put some points on the board and got back to winning ways after a comfortable 2-0 victory against Stromsgodset last time out. The win ended a five-match winless streak and would have restored some confidence and belief in the squad as they look to register back-to-back home victories. Sarpsborg comes into this fixture brimming with confidence after a perfect performance for the month of July, remaining unbeaten with two wins and two draws. The win against Sandefjord previously took their unbeaten run to five games and coach Christian Michelsen will want to maintain that momentum and will expect nothing less than maximum points from his men. Back the away win.
2/1 Lillestrom | Draw 9/4 | Molde 12/10 (19:15)
Lillestrom hosts Molde in the final fixture of the weekend. The 2-1 loss to Kristiansund previously is another step back, instead of forward, as they struggle to find consistency. Lillestrom captain Gjermund Asen will need to inspire and look for an improved performance from his team as a win will see them climb the table closer to the European places. Molde on the other hand, is competing in the UEFA Europa League qualifications ahead of their meeting with Lillestrom, and it will be interesting to see if they can obtain the same energy and momentum in the league fixtures. Molde made light work of Lillestrom in the first fixture and if that game is anything to go by then I see Molde doing the double on Lillestrom this season. BTTS and Molde win.
Written by Marc Strydom.