This weekend sees the conclusion of the Norwegian top flight campaign and the end to the very first Eliteserien Fantasy season.
There may be a post season article once we have absorbed some final thoughts, but for now let’s look ahead to the final weekend of fixtures as Fantasy managers look to grab points for mini-league placings and other contests.
Being the final game of the season, motivation is a big factor, so we’ll pay some extra attention to that. Also, a reminder that these are all 18:00 CET starts. Given that lineups have a tendency to show up before the deadline, eager managers may have the chance to put in place some eleventh hour changes.
MOTIVATED OR DESPERATE?
There is just a small quota of games where teams have something meaningful to play for.
Aalesund – Strømsgodset
A home team with their backs to the wall against an away team on a hot streak and running for Europe. This matchup has all the hallmarks of a good oldfashioned streetfight, so I’m halfway expecting cards and tackles to fly for this matchup.
The best Aalesund can hope for is to retain 14th spot and earn a relegation play off match but they are in danger of being automatically jettisoned from the top flight should 15th placed Sogndal, who are level on points, win or draw their match with Vålerenga . With three out of four of Aalesund’s starting defenders out for this clash they will almost certainly be relying on Sogndal slipping up, especially as fourth placed Strømsgodset’s form is immense.
If, as expected, Stromsgodset prevail then they could move into a European qualification place, especially if second placed Molde beat third placed Sarpsborg.
I’ll be looking to Strømsgodset’s magic duo of Jradi and Ulland Andersen scoring double-digits in this one.
Molde – Sarpsborg 08
As mentioned both these teams are in the fight for medals and looking to cling onto their European qualification places with one eye on Stromsgodset’s result. Sarpsborg do also have a Cup final as a second chance though, and may well have a bit more spring in their step with that security blanket.
This looks a very hard game to predict the game, with Sarpsborg’s Krepin Diatta looking a strong bet for returns.
Sogndal – Vålerenga
Sogndal are fighting for their Eliteserien survival and will need to do well and hope Aalesund slip up to move up into the relegation qualifier spot.
Given that the battle to retain top flight status could even come down to goals scored, Koomson looks a strong prospect. Vålerenga with nothing more to play for this season, and some hard blows on transfers already, may just let Sogndal in the door here.
Any other interests?
Oh yes, the hunt is on for the top-goalscorer title.
Rosenborg’s Nicklas Bendtner has pulled ahead at 19 goals, and has stated he is eager to pass 20, making his spot in any managers team obvious as they face Odd away from home.
Chasing him is Omoijuanfo (Ohi), who is on 17 goals and must surely be disappointed to have missed a penalty in the previous round. He does have the final game against minions Viking away to make amends and a late surge for the golden boot – so there is smart money in putting both him and Bendtner up top in your team for the final week.
Also worth keeping an eye out for exciting prospects on benches out there who may get a final salute. Some posibilities to look for in the minutes before deadline are:
Jonathan Levi (Rosenborg, Midfielder, 5.8) – Hailed as the next Helland when he was signed this summer, he now looks to be in-line for a starting spot on the Rosenborg right wing, and has already shown some razzle and dazzle in his game. Due for his first top-flight goal, he could be a big man to punt on in the final Gameweek.
Kristoffer Velde (Haugesund, Midfielder, 4.5) – He’s had some scattered minutes of play this season and has picked up two assists for the first team so far. With 10 goals for the second team this 18 year old looks primed to impress for his home outing against Kristiansand.
For the rest of the games, the season is over and you can look out for some gung-ho football with no worries, probably a couple of new faces and care-less attitudes, but it’s anybody’s guess what will happen in them.
And finally, a question of feedback from fellow FFS managers, leave in the comments some words on one, some or all of the following points if you could:
– Players that lived up to their hype
– Players that fell flat
– Surprises this season
– Your thoughts on the game (what works, what sucks, what chips do you hope for)?
