In a final run-down before the season arrives, we’ll look at the key players to consider.
This will cover some familiar names from the last campaign as well as some new faces via the promoted sides and transfer deals.
For more information about players and how to play the game see part one. Details of last season’s top eight sides can be found in part two and details of last season’s bottom eight and the promoted sides can be found in part three.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian language version of the game can be found here here and this season the game’s creators have developed an English language version, which can be found here.
Also, please do join one of our three leagues by clicking the link below:
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Lessons learned
Last season left some important lessons for us.
First and foremost, taking hits is VERY unlikely to lead to success. Regardless of fixtures, or even form, your situation needs to be dire for you to venture into taking a hit. Based on previous seasons performance, this league is less consistent than in the Premier League.
Keep this in mind as you setup your initial squad and leave room for surprises. A good Eliteserien manager needs to be more flexible than a yoga instructor.
Central defenders also do better in this game than in the Fantasy Premier League as the man in the stand bonus system is more likely to reward a resilient display at the back than FPL’s bonus point system.
Blanks and double gameweeks
However, this season is different as it has been revealed this week that Sandefjord v Ranheim and Stabæk v Start in Gameweek 2 has been postponed due to the cold weather. They will be played in Gameweek 4 instead meaning that already we have a blank Gameweek 2 and double Gameweek 4 to navigate. This certainly affects our thinking when picking our squad for the season.
Returning options
Although there is a high turnaround of players in this league, there are some stars that have remained at their clubs and should once again be prime targets. Some options include:
Niklas Bendtner (FWD, Rosenborg, 13.0) – the former Arsenal striker was unstoppable last season and punished non-owners on a weekly basis. The price tag is high, but should be well worth it again this time around.
Ohi Omoijuanfo (FWD, Stabæk, 9.0) – This player scored the record number of goals from open play last season but is prone to missing penalties. He’s looked sharp in preseason ahead of the new campaign.
Pål Andre Helland (MID, Rosenborg, 12.0) – This winger is injury-prone but offers significant rewards, providing you are able to juggle him in and out of your team based on his erratic fitness. He only figured in 22 games out of 30 last season, four of those with less than 45 mins on the pitch and only had six full 90 minute games. Nevertheless, he still racked up an impressive six successful strikes, 10 assists and a points total of 118.
Samuel Adegbenro (MID, Rosenborg, 11.0) – The Viking turned Rosenborg winger was among last season’s top five midfielders and has looked sharp in pre-season. Given the injury-prone nature of the other Rosenborg wingers, this powerhouse looks a somewhat safe option for the season to come – although his price reflects that.
Fredrik Haugen (MID, Brann, 10.0) – One of the highest scoring players last season, and one of few with consistent returns. He was expected to leave this winter, but signed a contract extension instead. He might yet go in the summer, but for now he remains an excellent and safe pick. On pretty much every set piece, bar penalties, and orchestrates his side’s attacking play.
Bassel Jradi (MID, Strømsgodset, 9.5) – After a hugely impressive campaign some might argue Bassel Jradi is the best player in the league. Fielded in behind the striker he will offer both goals and assists. He was the top scoring player in the game last season, with 10 goals, eight assists and 22 bonus points. He may still leave during the summer transfer window, so you don’t want to wait to long before you bring him in.
Eirik Ulland Andersen (MID, Strømsgodset, 9.5) – Another player who had a really impressive season last year, playing out wide beside Jradi in Strømsgodset’s great attack. His main asset is his right foot, both from open play and set pieces. His 11 goal tally, eight assists and 14 bonus points was enought to put him third in the midfielder ranking, but it’s worth noting he had more points per game than Jradi as he missed out on the first few games of the season last year.
Torgil Gjertsen (MID, Kristiansund, 7.5) – Taking a step up from the second tier to join KBK late in the mid-season transfer window, Gjertsen took the league by storm, racking up scores and points per min. averages far surpassing all the stars of the league. This eye-opener of a player will likely see a dip in numbers this season, but he could still be a great option for upcoming campaign.
Gjermund Åsen (MID, Tromsø, 7.0) – Tromsø has 2017’s king of assists in Morten Gamst-Pedersen, but when we look at their roster, all eyes are on this star roaming behind the strikers. Three goals and nine assists last season are the numbers to beat, and considering how Tromsø looked in the early season, compared to how they ended their last campaign, this is a player in the ascendency. We’re likely to see him among the top assists this year as well.
Vegar Eggen Hedenstad (DEF, Rosenborg, 7.0) – Rosenborg got back their junior right back option Erlend Dahl Reitan from Bodø/Glimt after the end of a loan, and he went on to get injured at the very first training session. This leaves Hedenstad largely unopposed for the right back position yet again. He still has some set-piece duties, and will no doubt have been drilled further in the attacking aspects of his position, to solidify his place as a top fantasy defender. However, his price has been marked up to reflect this.
Birger Meling (DEF, Rosenborg, 7.0) – Meling arrived at Rosenborg prior to last season and took a while to establish himself in the squad as he started the season with an injury. Compared to Hedenstad, he was a disappointment in Eliteserien Fantasy last time out, failing to dazzle in attack and racking up eight yellow cards and a red in 20 games. But in pre-season he has shone and we have high hopes he will emerge as a strong option. It remains to be seen though if he can outshine Hedenstad.
Espen Ruud (DEF, Odd, 6.0) – Despite being among the top 10 defenders last season, with three successful strikes, we know he can do better. In his remarkable 2016 campaign he found the net five times and assisted a further eight goals. He looks a strong pick once again in a defensively solid team. But at 34 we are unsure whether last season’s decline was age catching up on him, or a mere blip.
Vito Wormgoor (DEF, Brann,5.5) – He’s a solid as a rock defender at Brann, prime candidate for bonus points and taker of their only penalty of 2017. Given their prowess at the back and his meagre tally of three yellow cards all season he looks exceptional value. He has stated he wants to take Brann’s penalties in 2018 as well, although it remains to be seen if his wish will come true.
Alexander Stølås (DEF, Haugesund, 5.5) – One of the top scoring defenders last year is now very likely to start the season as an out of position left midfielder in a 4-4-2. The move will most likely increase his attacking potential but the big question is will Haugesund keep as many clean sheets as they did last year? We’re in doubt, but his attacking potential might be too good to ignore.
Andre Hansen (GKP, Rosenborg, 6.0) – This stopper might be a cheap route into Rosenborg’s defence and extra points as he was the best bonus point hauler among keepers. He also had he highest points per game tally among goalies. In fact, his point per game average was better than all Rosenborg defenders except for Hedenstad.
Andreas Linde (GKP, Molde, 5.5) – The Molde number one played every match last season, only being subbed off once after 61 mins. His ten clean sheets and a whopping 102 registered saves makes him a fire and forget goalkeeper to consider.
New stars will play a big part in every Eliteserien season. Next we’ll have a look at the top flight’s new faces, as well as those who have moved sides.
Transfer spotlight
Mustafa “Mos” Abdellaoue (FWD, Strømsgodset, 10.5) – Goalscorer is an apt description of this striker, who has been chasing the golden boot the last two years in one of the minor clubs of the league. This year he has traded up and joined Strømsgodset, a move that should by all rights make him a major contender for the golden boot once more. However, it currently looks like he’ll start Gameweek 1 on the bench.
Gilbert Koomson (MID, Brann, 8.5) – This winger impressed at bottom half of the table Sogndal, with seven goals and four assists last season and three successful strikes and 10 assists the campaign before that. This season sees him move upwards to top half of the table Brann, where he is expected to be a mainstay in the starting eleven. A player that could prove vital to success for Fantasy managers.
Aron Sigurdarson (MID, Start, 6.0) – Started the season well for Tromsø, before he faded away after being denied a transfer to Dutch side Twente. After a managerial change at Tromsø he was often benched and was recently sold to newly promoted side Start. Nailed on at right wing he could be a big asset for Start.
Kristoffer Haugen (DEF, Molde, 6.0) – Molde’s new defender is of the attacking variety, and could well offer an option in your Fantasy side. This player is good for clean sheets as well as assists, and of late even a couple of goals, as he has proved for his former club, the recently relegated Viking.
Taijo Teniste (DEF, Brann, 5.5) – Having mentioned Haugen, Brann have also secured a likely prospect at their right back, as Teniste joins Koomson in the move from Sogndal to Brann. Being one of the real budget players of last season, he now takes hold of the right side of a defensive giant in this league, with most competition on their way out the door. If the pricing stays low this could be one of the coups this season.
Amin Nouri (DEF, Vålerenga, 5.5) – After a brilliant season at right back for Brann, Nouri left on a free transfer and moved back to Vålerenga. He’s one of the players that could help Vålerenga tighten up at the back and also capable of racking up a few assists. If Vålerenga tighten up at the back this season, Nouri could be one to watch.
New Arrivals
Sam Johnson (FWD, Vålerenga, 8.5) – Vålerenga have been searching for a striker to hammer in goals for quite a while, and the newest addition to try his luck is this Liberian center forward. Having averaged around a 0.5 goal point conversion per game the last few seasons spread across the Swedish and Chinese top leagues, there is some hope that he could be the one. He is coming on to many Watchlists for the early season for good reason.
Mikkel Agger (FWD, Sarpsborg, 7.0) – Sarpsborg are looking to fill some gaps after selling their stars this winter, and Danish striker Agger looks promising. Having a decent goals-per-match record in the Danish second tier, taking the step up in Norway may see him becoming the option up top for a Sarpsborg-side with a new position to defend in the top flight of Norwegian football.
Ronnie Schwartz (FWD, Sarpsborg, 6.5) – New signings Agger and Schwartz were the buzz early in the transfer window, and despite Agger getting the higher 7.0 price tag, Ronnie has looked sharp in the friendlies so far, and could be the power behind Sarpsborg’s goal scoring early season. He’ll most likely start the season as third choice behind Agger and Mortensen.
Kevin Kabran (MID, Start, 6.5) – Ambitious Start have signed some exciting players, including Kevin Kabran, a left winger who racked up 11 goals and five assists in Sweden’s second tier last season.
Samuel Sahin-Radlinger (GKP, Brann, 5.5) – Having signed on a season-long loan deal from Hannover, Sahin-Radlinger is expected to fill the gap after Piotr Leciejewski left Brann. During his six seasons at Brann, Leciejewski have been widely regarded as one of the very best keepers in Eliteserien. According to reports Sahin-Radlinger is not going to be a downgrade on Leciejewski at all – Sahin-Radlinger could well be one of the best goalkeepers in Eliteserien in 2018, playing for one of the best defensive teams in the league.
Bargain Hunting
Prices have been tweaked for this season, and we start yet again with the deep dive to look for budget bargains, or even value in pricy teams.
Marko Maric (GKP, Lillestrøm, 4.5) – Assumed to be first choice after last season’s Origi left. Lillestrøm did not lived up to their defensive reputation last season, but there are signs they may be worth looking at once more.
Jacob Rasmussen (DEF, Rosenborg, 6.0) – This may be the budget way in to the Rosenborg defence, as he looks primed to take his place in the starting eleven as the cheapest of the back four.
Lasse Nilsen (DEF, Tromsø, 5.0) – A revelation for Tromsø for the second half of the season last year, after he came back from a loan. He’s been dubbed as “Bleik’s Bale” (Bleik is his hometown) due to his pace down the left flank. Comparison’s with Manchester City’s Leroy Sane have also been made. He’ll most likely play as a left wingback, but he’s also been used as a left winger in pre-season. A good pick at wing back, but an even better pick if he get the nod as a left winger.
John Kitolano (DEF, Odd, 4.5) – A massive talent that have been preferred to Grøgaard in preseason. It’s worth monitoring Odd’s lineup in the last preseason games, because Kitolano is a massive bargain if he’s the first choice left back this season.
Erik Tønne (DEF, Ranheim, 4.5) – Plays for what many expects to be the weakest team in Eliteserien, but he’ll start as a left winger in a 4-3-3 which makes him an interesting option as a 4.5 defender. Could see a share of set pieces as well.
Daniel Granli (DEF, Stabæk, 4.0) – Seems to be prefered at right back at Stabæk, at least as long as Håkon Skogseid is injured. Has been deployed as a centre back as well. Stabæk are looking close to signing centre back Vadim Demidov, which could affect Granli’s game time. He is one of few 4.0 options that are a likely Gameweek 1 starter.
Lars Grorud (DEF, Sandefjord, 4.0) – Another 4.0 player who will most likely be a starter in Gameweek 1. However, we’re still not sure if he’ll keep his place once Christer Reppesgård Hansen returns from injury.
Anders Å.Konradsen (MID, Rosenborg, 7.0) – A player that looks locked in as one of his side’s two box-to-box runners and an interesting prospect for those looking to double or even triple up on Rosenborg assets. The price looks based on his previous role as deep lying midfielder and doesn’t take into account his new attacking swagger.
Tokmac “Tokki” Nguen (MID, Strømsgodset, 7.0) – A far less mentioned player than Jradi and Ulland Andersen. Had a decent season last year and an excellent preseason. Not as nailed as the other two, but as of now he’s first choice out wide in Strømsgodset’s 4231 formation. A cheap way to double up on Strømsgodset’s midfielders, although a slightly risky one.
Etzaz Hussain (MID, Molde, 6.0) – After a brilliant second half of the season last year on loan at Odd, he has returned to Molde and looks likely to nail down a place in Molde’s midfield three. He’s been one of their best player in preseason from an attacking midfield role. Could be a good value pick.
Morten Gamst-Pedersen (MID, Tromsø, 5.5) – One has to look twice at statistics and price when you realise this player had the most assists last season (11). The veteran still has his touch it would seem, and despite not scoring last season he can’t be ignored with his experience at set-pieces.
John Hou Sæter (MID, Stabæk, 5.0) – With such a lowly price tag this former Rosenborg talent might be one of the coups of the season. He seems to be first in line to start as an attacking midfielder in Stabæk’s 4-2-3-1, although he face a lot of competition from players like Kassi and Brynhildsen. This could be a breakthrough season in terms of goals and assists, if he can keep his place. On the down side he could also be moved down to defensive midfield role to accomodate other attacking players.
Kristian Fardal Opseth (FWD, Bodø/Glimt, 7.5) – A 7.5 striker from a newly promoted team might be a stretch, but having scored 28 goals in 30 games last season and Bodø/Glimt scoring 82 goals in 30 games he’s definitely one to watch. The gap between the best teams in OBOS-ligaen and the worst teams in Eliteserien isn’t big, so don’t be surprised to see him score well in Eliteserien this year. Two good home games in the first three Gameweeks is another factor to consider.
Benjamin Stokke (FWD, Kristiansund, 7.0) – Given the prices on other strikers of similar rating, 7.0 looks a worthy value for Stokke. It doesn’t hurt that he has been linked to the big teams of the league all through the winter, and could still end up in a surprise move within the league. Even so, the price gives good value where he is, and looks worth consideration.
Steffen Lie Skålevik (FWD, Brann, 6.5) – After four goals in the last four friendlies, he’ll surely get the nod up front for Brann against Ranheim. Henrik Kjelsrud Johansen has been brought in from Vålerenga, but he shouldn’t displace Skålevik (yet at least).
Thomas Amang (FWD, Molde, 6.5) – This is more of a risky pick. Among was expected to have a breakthrough season last time out but too often failed to impress. But at 20 years of age he still has his best years to come. After a brilliant preseason we might see him emerge resplendent this year. His preseason performances should earn him the nod as a starter in Gameweek 1, but how much gametime he’ll see beyond Gameweek 1 is dependent on how he performs.
Kristjan Floki Finnbogasson (FWD, 6.0) – Looks set as first choice striker at ambitious newcomers Start. If they get the results they are hoping for in the opening 5 Gameweeks he could be a prime differential player.
KEY LINKS
Official source for lineups, normally 1hr 15m before kick off.
Preseason spreadsheet – all credit go to @FotballfeberESN on Twitter
MT Pocket’s Fixture ticker.
Niemi’s watchlist
WhoScored – Results, table, detailed player and team stats.
Nordic Football Pod – Eliteserien Preview (english)
