There are plenty of games to look forward to in the Norwegian Eliteserien this weekend. One of which takes place at the Intility Arena in Oslo as Valerenga meet Sarpsborg.
This is a key game for both teams. Valerenga are hoping to make a move on the top three, with European qualification in mind. They are just 3 points off third place despite starting this weekend in 7th position. Sarpsborg are looking below them and they are only 1 point away from the automatic relegation zone, so a win would be huge for them.
Valerenga come into this match having suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Rosenborg last weekend. Considering Rosenborg’s position in the league, Valerenga would have been hoping to take at least a point but it was a poor performance.
That results means they have lost each of their last two Eliteserien games 3-0 having lost at home by the same scoreline to Lillestrom before the break.
However, overall recent home form has been good and trends show Valerenga are undefeated in six of their last seven home league games. They have won six of the last five on home soil and scored 2 or more goals in four of those five wins. In addition, Valerenga have kept three clean sheets in their last five home league matches and will be hoping to return to that kind of form this weekend.
Sarpsborg make the trip to Oslo having recorded an excellent 2-0 win over Odd at the weekend. Odd are in a title contending position so it was a big result for the team near the foot of the table. However, that was their first win in seven Eliteserien matches and only their second in the league this season.
No team has won fewer games in the league this season than Sarpsborg.
Away from home they have been poor and Sarpsborg have won only one of their last eleven away Eliteserien matches. They have yet to win an away game this season and have drawn two and lost two of their four matches, with the two defeats coming in their last two attempts.
Looking ahead to the team news and Valerenga will be without the suspended Johan Lædre Bjørdal for this game. Jonatan Tollås Nation, Deyver Vega and Peter Godly Michael are working their way back to fitness but it is unlikely any of the three will start this match.
Sarpsborg are definitely without Jørgen Horn who is recovering from a broken foot. They also have doubts over the fitness of Gaute Höberg Vetti, Bjørn Inge Utvik and Amin Askar.Forebet predicts a comfortable win for Valerenga.