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24 March 2017 4384 comments
Team Cruel Team Cruel
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Did you think your summer would be dull without fantasy football? Fear not. The developers of Fantasy Premier League have launched a brand new game called Eliteserien Fantasy.

The game will feature the Norwegian top divison. The site is currently only in Norwegian but it is fairly easy to register and use if you are used to FPL.

The concept and rules are the same as FPL, the only differences being no chips and there’s a  ‘man in the stand’  for bonus points.

The season will have 30 Gameweeks between April and November. A third of the season will be played during the off-season in FPL so this game could soften the summer blow for Fantasy Footy junkies.

Already 58 players have  joined the FFS league, including FPL legend Ville Rönkä. The league code is: 3769-1041

In this article I will take a look at the 16 teams and the players to keep an eye on.

Rosenborg

Having won ‘the double’ two seasons in a row, there is no doubt who is the gigantic fish in this pond. Both league titles have been comfortable with a tally of 69 points, an average of staggering 2.3 points per game. The Rosenborg domination is set to continue with the acquisition of Nicklas Bendtner (12.5). Not only is the insane Dane the most expensive player in the game, he currently also sits in over half the teams.

Mixed results and a few injuries during the pre season, there remains uncertainty around the form of their key players. Rosenborg meet Brann in a face off between last year’s top two teams on March 29. This may give us some answers, or pose more questions as it will be the first of four games Rosenborg play in 10 days. This fixture congestion could be a good reason to overlook the pricey Bendtner for now.

Top 3 targets: Mike Jensen (10.5 MID), Fredrik Midtsjo (8.5 MID), Nicklas Bendtner (12.5 FWD)

Brann

After a shock relegation despite being title contenders in 2014, Brann bounced straight back up the following year. They used that momentum and enjoyed a successful return to the top division, eventually finishing second. Brann’s excellent defence is expected to do well this season as well, especially as Piotr Leciejewski (5.5) might be the best goalkeeper in the league. Early investment in Brann players could pay dividends as their opening few fixtures seem favourable.

Top 3 targets: Fredrik Haugen (9.0 MID), Vito Wormgoor (5.5 DEF), Torgeir Børven (9.0 FWD)

Odd

Starting last season with six consecutive clean sheets, Odd laid the foundations for what turned out to be a third place finish and Europa League qualification. The last 24 games only saw three additional clean sheets but Odd will nonetheless provide excellent defensive options. Espen Ruud (6.5) might prove to be the most essential player in the game. To go along with his nine clean sheets, the right back also managed five goals and eight assists last season.

Top 3 targets: Espen Ruud (6.5 DEF), Fredrik Nordkvelle (9.0 MID), Sondre Rossbach (5.5 GK)

Haugesund

Expect the unexpected when Haugesund are playing. One season they battle for the Europa League places, the next they fight for survival. Given they finished fourth last season, this year their assets may be best avoided! Defensively Haugesund are not much to write home about. Their midfielders have to bear the burden if they are to replicate last year’s form.

Top 3 targets: Haris Hajradinovic (7.5 MID), Erik Huseklepp (8.5 MID), Ibrahim Shuaibu (5.0 FWD)

Molde

Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s second period as Molde manager has failed to reach the heights of his first stint at the club thus far. Back then he led Molde to back-to-back titles, whilst his latest reign has resulted in 6th and 5th placed finishes. With a wealth of options in every position, picking the right Molde players could be a minefield. Solskjær’s preferred tactic seems to be resting players from time to time. Heavy investment in Molde’s assets is probably best avoided to start with.

Top 3 targets: Bjorn Sigurdarson (9.0 FWD), Sander Svendsen (8.5 MID), Mattias Mostrom (6.5 MID)

Sarpsborg

A stable mid table team for the last couple of seasons, Sarpsborg normally go about their business quietly. They do not concede many but they do not score that many either. In fact, their most prolific attacker finished 40th in terms of attacking returns last season. Big things are therefore expected of the attacking minded Krepin Diatta (6.0), an easy on the eye Senegalese U20 international who arrived last month. A Sarpsborg defender could be a must have as they managed 13 clean sheets in the last campaign, with nine of them coming on home soil.

Top 3 targets: Krepin Diatta (6.0 MID), Sigurd Rosted (5.5 DEF), Jonas Lindberg (5.5 FWD)

Strømsgodset

After being a top side since the beginning of the decade, Strømsgodset found themselves finishing mid table last season. They produce fluent attacking play and are a joy to watch, especially at home. Jonathan Parr (6.0) provides us with a potential OOP option. Listed as a defender, the former Crystal Palace and Ipswich left back played a lot on the left wing last autumn. The signing of the experienced left back Stian Ringstad (5.5) could mean a permanent shift to the wing for Parr.

Top 3 targets: Jonathan Parr (6.0 DEF), Marcus Pedersen (10.5 FWD), Lars Vilsvik (6.0 DEF)

Viking

There is not much buzz around Viking at the moment. Kwesi Appiah (7.0) has been signed on loan from Crystal Palace. Despite only being 26, this will be the striker’s sixteenth club in his senior career. Whether he can settle in and finally make it count remains to be seen. With an unfavourable set of fixtures to start the season, overlooking Viking options for the opening might be the best solution.

Top 3 targets: Kwesi Appiah (7.0 FWD), Julian Ryerson (4.5 DEF) Samuel Adegbenro (7.5 MID)

Aalesund

Highest goalscorer from last season still in the league this term is Mos (8.5). He will undoubtably be key this year as well but he is not the only threat Aalesund pose. Most of their goals in the pre season have come from set pieces. Centre back Mantyla has scored three goals without even starting a game but it is another centre back stealing the limelight. Daniel Gretarsson (5.0) has also scored three goals from his four starts this winter. However, Aalesund do concede a lot of goals so any defensive investment has to be purely because of their set piece threat.

Top 3 targets: Mos (8.5 FWD), Edwin Gyasi (7.5 MID), Daniel Gretarsson (5.0 DEF)

VÃ¥lerenga

Being the only representation from the capital, Vålerenga have failed to live up to expectations for a good few years. This season they have hired the services of former Celtic manager Ronny Deila. An attacking minded leader, Deila made his name at Strømsgodset where he took the team to league glory in 2013. After years of struggle to get permission and finances to build their own stadium on their side of the city, Vålerenga will finally be moving to their new home mid season. This will likely give them a solid boost throughout the season.

Top 3 targets: Ghayas Zahid (10.5 MID), Mohammed Abdellaoue (9.5 FWD), Markus Nakkim (5.0 DEF)

Sogndal

Gilbert Koomson (7.5) was the only assister in the league to reach double figures last season. However, that is a steep price tag for a player in a team that most likely will be in for a relegation battle. Sogndal had a good defence last season but the latest results in pre season do not exactly look encouraging. Still, if they can replicate some of that defensive form then they have several decent budget options in their team.

Top 3 targets: Matias Dyngeland (4.5 GK), Bjørn Utvik (4.5 DEF), Gilbert Koomson (7.5 MID)

Lillestrøm

Celebrating their 100 years anniversary, Lillestrøm will be hoping they avoid the dogfight this time around. They were dead and buried with five games to play but managed to survive by collecting 11 points from those games. Most of the players are very generously priced, probably reflected by last year’s finish. Lillestrøm should be competing for a place in the upper half of the table. If they manage to do that then there are a few potential bargains in their squad. Daniel Fernandes (4.0) has impressed in pre season, if he can nail done a starting spot then that provides us with an excellent budget goalkeeper.

Top 3 targets: Daniel Fernandes (4.0 GK), Bajram Ajeti (6.5 FWD), Chigozie Udoji (6.0 MID)

Tromsø

Defensively Tromsø are not a good unit. The onus will be on their attacking play. People will recognise Morten Gamst Pedersen (5.5) from his time at Blackburn. After struggling with injuries last season, the set piece specialist is set to claim a place in the centre of midfield. Some calmness in the middle of the park may be exactly what Tromsø need as their passing accuracy of 68.7 % was the worst in the league.

Top 3 targets: Aron Sigurdarson (6.5 MID), Sloboan Vuk (7.0 FWD), Morten Gamst Pedersen (5.5 MID)

Stabæk

Stabæk were favourites to go down in 2015 but thanks to the heroics of Bob Bradley they managed to finish third. During that summer they lost top scorer Adama Diomande to Hull, whilst Bradley left before the 2016 season. Stabæk barely recovered from those losses and somehow just about managed to survive. They are in for another tough season but they do have a couple of cheap prospects to keep an eye on.

Top 3 targets: Moussa Njie (5.5 MID), Luc Kassi (6.0 MID), Hanche-Olsen (4.5 DEF)

Kristiansund

Thirteen years after the club was formed, Kristiansund won the second tier and gained promotion to the top division for the first time. The promotion campaign was thanks to a good defence and a red hot striker. Daouda Bamba (6.5) scored 20 and assisted twice in 28 games. The Ivorian is young and fearless, and is sure to be amongst the goals also in this league.

Top 3 targets: Daouda Bamba (6.5 FWD), Aliou Coly (4.5 DEF), Sean McDermott (4.0 GK)

Sandefjord

Also gaining promotion prior to this season, Sandefjord are favourites to go straight back down. Genuine fantasy options are therefore far and few between, however they might provide a couple of bench fodder options. Seven defeats and no clean sheets in nine pre season games tells they are in for a very rough ride.

Top 3 targets: Erik Mjelde (6.0 MID), Andre Sødlund (4.5 MID), Flamur Kastrati (6.0 FWD)

  1. Speédy
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    moa - ???

    1. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Extinct flightless birds endemic to New Zealand

      1. Reedy
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I swapped for Lindberg

      2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Nice to see someone else appreciate his name

        1. Reedy
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          🙂

  2. Spokey
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Did Moa play as a winger?

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      No, he always plays central. Finne is more versatile and plays on the wing if only one striker.

      1. Spokey
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Did you watch the game today? Looked at set up like he was playing wing. (I didnt see the game).

        1. VS10_
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Not sure what set up you looked at, but team tweeted the line up and he was central. You can also check the youtube link on previous page to the game and analyze his movements. 😉

  3. Pep says
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Only 27k registered. No mater how bad each week goes, it's comforting knowing I'll always be in the top 100k!

    1. Dreams
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      It'll pick up I think. I am expecting a crowd of around 45k.

    2. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Mos (K)

  4. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Got about 50 replies on my last comment about using Bench Boost....unfortunately they were all debating the use of multiple teams 🙂

    Maybe I'll get more luck with these queries. Tempted to just leave it as it is...

    Pickford (Jakupovic)
    Alonso Walker Mawson (FunesMori Coleman)
    Mané Eriksen Siggy King (Coutinho)
    Lukaku Costa(C) Llorente(VC)

    A) Start Pickford(wat) or Jakupovic(WHM)?
    B) Bench Coutinho(EVE) or King(sou) or Llorente(MID)?
    C) Coleman -> Valencia(-4) and play ahead of Mawson?

    1. Lawrø
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Unfortunately you've accidentally posted this on the Norweigan fantasy football article! Try reposting it here Steevo 😀

      http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/03/26/hall-of-fame-analysis-part-one-2/

    2. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      You shouldn't have multiple teams.

      Plus you would have more joy on the latest article

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A pick
      B Play Coutinho
      C Play Mawson... although make transfer if affexted by price change... valencia is long term replacement

  5. Ok - done lots of research, and this is what I have come up with - any glaring errors? 0.5 ITB

    Origi (McDermott)
    Skogseid Albeck Hedenstad (Granli Coly)
    Trondsen Helland Njie Huseklepp (Hussain)
    Bendtner(c) Pedersen Lindberg

    1. Creedey
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      No Ruud?
      Maybe go Midtsjø instead of Helland and spread the money a bit?
      Don't know if Albech or Granli is 100% nailed on.
      Nice team overall, bit of a differential team I think. 🙂

      1. Sleep Talk
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I'd definitely want to gave Ruud in there.
        Albech should be starting, and I'm looking at him myself if Wormgoor is out for the weekend. GRanlig won't play much though.

    2. Cool - thanks guys. I instantly dismissed Ruud based on his price and team, and somehow missed his attacking output! Time for a tweak 🙂

  6. burgioaguero
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Is it worth going -4 to bring in Deeney for Benteke?

    I don't see Benteke scoring against Chelsea and even though he has a double gameweek in 34, they're terrible fixtures and I fancy Deeney out scoring him during that time.

    Thoughts?

    1. Bellerinmondo
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      save the hit and get Bendtner

  7. rainy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    G2G, Eliteserien fans? 1kr. ITB

    Fernandes
    Ruud Wormgoor Ryerson
    Huseklepp Zahid Midtsjø Krogstad
    Pedersen(K) Abdellaoue(V) Bamba

    Dyngeland M.G.Pedersen Utvik Moe

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      GET Hedensetad in,also ryerson has bad fixtures to start with so play utvik,njie better option over pedersen too

      1. rainy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Very helpful, cheers 🙂

  8. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    I might go for the Lillestrøm duo Fernandes + Origi in goal for 8.5m. Means money can be spent elsewhere.

  9. Michael Gary Scott
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Norwegians and Englishmen both love football and a good fantasy game! Our stats and tips is presented in norwegian for now, but we would love some attention from abroad, give us a follow, join our league - join fantasy.eurosport.no ! League code: 15225-3029

    Twitter: @Fantasyraadet

  10. _Make
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Team Cruel this is exceptional work. I cannot find anything out there to assist FF addicts such as us (at least in English) so this is a brilliant resource. Many thanks.

  11. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Any idea which channel the highlights are shown on and when ? Is there a MOTD equivalent...

  12. Bellerinmondo
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    One of the teams is called Viking. I don't need any more persuasion

  13. VS10_
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Good work TC. Already had a lot of the names mentioned on my team through research, but still a lot of new information. Will keep an eye on the friendlies over the weekend.

  14. Ridcully
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Thanks for this, really useful.

  15. Delhidynamo
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Anybody going Bakenga over Bendtner?

    1. GE
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      No way, Bakenga is a rotation risk and that price!

  16. Je suis le chat
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    What are the prizes like? Norway is minted so could be good.

  17. Sleep Talk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Great article Team Cruel!

    As a Norwegian myself, I've long since discarded Eliteserien, but I feel this might be the season where I start paying some attention again. Hoping that my local team, Viking, finally manage to return to the top again, although I have no idea which players are there now...

    'VG Lupen', which was mentioned by Team Cruel further up has been my greatest resource so far. If you manage to navigate through the Norwegian language, each team analysis also has a section on the suggested starting eleven, which might give some valuable insight.

    My experience with the Norwegian top division is that it can be really unpredictable. Rosenborg is usually at the top, and Odd has also been very solid for the past few years. Teams like Vålerenga, Molde, Strømsgodset, Brann and Viking have been all over the place these past few season, fighting for relegation in one moment, and challenging for the top the very next day.

    I'm still trying to navigate my way around all these new players myself, and I will try to give some insight wherever I can find it.

    Todays tip: I think that Helland might be worth the extra 0.5m over Jensen as your Rosenborg mid as he'll probably be one of their main set piece threats.

    1. Eden Hazardous
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers Jarvish. Zahid(c) worth considering then

  18. Sleep Talk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    As a huge ticker-fan, credit to those of you who manage to design a simple yet effective fixture ticker in google docs or anything similar! 🙂

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Definitely need a ticker! I have no clues who these teams are.

  19. Sjaugen
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    2-dgit ID crew wazzup

  20. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Lord Bendtner Triple Captain

  21. Sangomango
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Good article. Thanks!
    Any nailed on 4.5m mid?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Sødlund is the best one I've seen so far.

      1. Sangomango
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for that!
        Sorry to be a pain. Another question: is there any potential nailed on 4m defender?

        1. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Not sure. Jeppe Moe maybe?

      2. Sleep Talk
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Wingback for Sandefjord right? Could Kebbie challenge for that spot and threaten Sødlunds position?
        How about Gashi for Odd, will he be a regular? Seems to be the most popular pick in that price range, but that could just be because he's a familiar face for many..

        1. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Gashi barely featured last season. He's highly owned because he's the most known player in that range as you said.

          Kebbie could challenge for Sødlund's position but I think the latter will be a starter in the first few GWs at least. As it stands he looks like the best option for 4.5m.

  22. GE
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think of my team (I'm from Norway)? 🙂

    (0.0 itb)

    Fernandes
    Ruud/Vilsvik/Amundsen
    Jensen/Midtsjø/Adegbenro/Koomson/Nije
    Bendtner/Sigurdason

    Bench: Origi, Ryerson, Moe, Stokke

    My plan is to rotate Nije (playing 3-5-2) and Stokke (3-4-3).

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I don't like the rotating attackers tactic. It's better having a good player and a bench fodder than rotating two average players. I'd downgrade Adegbenro/Koomson and spend the money on a better striker.

      1. GE
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        GJELSTADS ELEVENjust now
        Thanks

        1. GE
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks

  23. GE
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Thanks 🙂 but not sure that Nije would be good enough as mine 4th mid?

    1. GE
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Reply to 'Team Cruel'

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Probably not but there has to be a compromise somewhere considering how much the rest of your attackers cost.

      1. GE
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks - could do Adegbenro/Koomson (7.5) and Nije (5.5) -> Hussain and 6.5 mid and upgrade Aamundsen -> Nakkim?

  24. Speédy
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    RMT
    origi dyngeland
    ruud reginiussen norbye ryerson granli
    helland zahid hussain njie gashi
    bendtner sigurdarson ajeti
    dont know much about it,any thoughts appreciated

    1. GE
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Problems:
      - Origi probably benched by Fernandes
      - Reginiussen too expensive, go with the backs instead (Meling/Hedenstad)
      - Granli not nailed, Moe will probably start
      - Gashi will probably be benched
      -

  25. Sangomango
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    ReAlly excited about this! Too bad I can't watch the game in Australia!

  26. GE
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Tips if you understand Norwegian (as me) - the web page below will every GW make a video like Mark and Co. Before GW1 they also discuss the best players from the different positions (Already videos of goalkeepers, defence and midfielders)

    Link:

    http://www.eurosport.no

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I'll only watch if it features the Norwegian equivalent of Jules Breach.

      1. GE
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Haha! Lol! It's just men 😉

        1. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          I'm not interested in a sausage fest 😉

          1. GE
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Haha! 😛

  27. Sangomango
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    What do you guys think of zehknini? Any good?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Very talented. Love his technique. A bit too hot and cold from a fantasy perspective, especially when the price tag is 8.5m.

  28. Blipper
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Fixture difficulty rating spreadsheet, courtesy of user "snowik" at the VG (norwegian newspaper) Debate forum:
    http://www.mediafire.com/file/9t4oenvz7codnc0/Tippeligaen+-+Kampoppsett.xlsx

    It's based on his own evaluations of team strength, and it looks like they're quite good.
    (Note that it's a "relative" difficulty rating, i.e. the league favorites Rosenborg have no "red" fixtures, and the worst teams (Sandefjord) have no "green" fixtures. H=Home fixture, B=Away fixture.)

  29. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Despite the fact I've no idea who these players are, my team (objectively) looks sweet!