The 2019 Norwegian Eliteserien resumes this weekend following an extended break. For some teams this is their first match in over two weeks and they will be looking forward to getting back in competitive action.
On Sunday 16th June Sarpsborg host Odd at the Sarpsborg Stadion in a game which involves both the bottom and top of the table. The hosts find themselves in 14th place and in the relegation playoff spot with 7 points. The visitors on the other hand are sitting in second place on 22 points and have two games in hand over the leaders.
Sarpsborg last played in the NM Cupen back on the 22nd May and defeated Fredrikstad 2-0 away from home. It was their first win in five matches having lost each of their last four in the Eliteserien. The four straight defeats have come against Rosenborg and Brann away plus Kristiansund and Ranheim at home.
Their overall form in the league is poor and Sarpsborg have won just three of their last twenty-one Eliteserien matches. They have won one of their last six at home and have kept just one clean sheet in their last ten on home soil.
Trends show that ten of their twelve league games have seen under 2.5 goals.
Odd are in a strong position and they matched their opponents in coming through their cup match away from home, winning 2-0. Prior to that, Odd enjoyed a good run of four straight wins in the Eliteserien and have won each of their last six matches in all competitions.
In the league, they have defeated Stromgodset and Ranheim at home plus Tromso and Lillestrom away. Odd have scored 2 or more goals in three of those four games and kept a clean sheet in the last two.
Away from home, Odd have won their last two matches but that’s the only two they have won of their last eight on the road in the league. There have been four defeats and two draws.
Odd have seen under 2.5 goals in eight of their last twelve away Eliteserien games.
Team news and Sarpsborg are without Jørgen Horn who has a broken foot. Gaute Höberg Vetti, Bjørn Inge Utvik and Amin Askar are doubtful.
Odd travel with just one injury problem and Andreas Helmersen has a knee injury which could keep him out of the match. Torgeir Børven is the second highest goal scorer in the league this season and should start up-front.
It is difficult to see anything other than an away win in this match. Sarpsborg are on a losing streak in the league whereas Odd are in great from and pushing to go top. We could see an away win for Odd plus under 2.5 goals scored.