*This came in too close to the deadline to be published in time. It’s posted now to give a place for Eliteserien talk, and because it’s a nice preview!
With four rounds of fixtures to go in Norway the title race and relegation battle are in full swing, giving fantasy managers a chance to propel themselves up the rankings by backing the right teams. Some key suspensions and injuries this week could provide the perfect chance for anyone with their wildcard remaining to steal an advantage. The final two weeks could be a good opportunity to utilise any remaining chips, with all matches kicking off simultaneously.
Several teams will be tested on multiple fronts, as Strømsgodset, Lillestrøm, Start and Rosenborg will feature in the NM Cupen semi-finals following GW27. Rosenborg and Sarpsborg continue their Europa League exploits, with the latter still in with a chance of surprise progression despite tanking in the league.
Gameweek 27 Feature Matches
Strømsgodset vs. Vålerenga
(Saturday, 5 p.m.)
The news that Marcus Pedersen is out for the season is a blow for the underachieving Godset, but firepower hasn’t been their problem this season. Tokmac Nguen’s pace and skill on the ball can still be a source of creativity, while Eirik Ulland Andersen’s set piece ability always makes him a threat. Mos will probably get a chance to lead the line but hasn’t repeated his exploits for Aalesund last season.
For the visitors, Sam Johnson looks to have rediscovered his clinical early season form, while Bård Finne has added workrate and energy to the Oslo club’s attack. The unpredictable Chidera Ejuke is a difficult fantasy player to trust in, but he could thrive against a pourous defence.
Bodø/Glimt vs. Stabæk
(Sunday, 5 p.m.)
Without a win in five, the goals have dried up for the likes of Kristian Fardal Opseth and Amor Layouni. If they are unable to find an attacking spark, it could be down to the defence featuring the towering Martin Bjornbak to keep the northerners in the division.
Franck Boli is the star attraction in this relegation 6-pointer. Pedersen’s injury makes the Ivorian the favourite for the golden boot, and his price has risen by 1.8m following 13 goals in his last 12 games. Stabæk will hope he avoids a third consecutive booking that would see him fall off the suspension tightrope. For those with faith in the away team, there are budget options all over the park including goalkeeper Marcus Sandberg and midfielders Hugo Vetlesen and Moussa Njie, but Boli is the talisman.
Brann vs. Rosenborg
(Sunday, 7 p.m.)
The top two clash in Bergen. A Brann win would see them rise to the summit of the table, while a Rosenborg win would send them 5 points clear and make them massive favourites to retain the title.
Brann’s defence hasn’t been as impenetrable as it was earlier in the season, but Vito Wormgoor’s unit could still punish non-owners due to their high ownership and attacking potential. Fredrik Haugen is suspended for this one, so there will be added emphasis on the likes of Gilbert Koomson and Kristoffer Barmen to create chances. The frontline is difficult to predict; despite adding the exciting Dauoda Bamba to the reliable Steffen Lie Skålevik, Henrik Kjelsrud Johansen surprisingly started and scored last time out.
Rosenborg’s recent team selections have been impacted by injury and illness, but a host of players including Tore Reginiussen and Birger Meling should return to shield the league’s best goalkeeper Andre Hansen. While the defence have lived up to their hefty price tags, the same can’t be said for many of the champions’ attackers this season. Nicklas Bendtner and Alexander Søderlund are high-risk options, with neither having the form or security of starts to make them hugely appealing, even with Issam Jebali injured. Samuel Adegbenro could inject some energy on the wing after a lengthy layoff, but he is also expensive and faces competition from Yann-Erik De Lanlay and Jonathan Levi.
Start vs. Molde
(Monday, 7 p.m.)
Under Kjetil Rekdal, Start look far more competitive and have a chance of staying up. Herolind Shala has provided much needed attacking flair in the absence of Kevin Kabran, while Mathias Bringaker has been a super sub of late, grabbing 4 goals and 1 assist off the bench. Key men Aremu Afeez and Damion Lowe are suspended here; the latter’s 24 points awarded by the man in the stand have already matched Bendtner and Haugen’s bonus totals from last season.
Molde are the league’s top scorers and form team, unbeaten in their last six. A win here could give them an outside chance at mounting a late title challenge. Ole Gunnar Solskjær looks to have eased off his rotation policy, making all of Eirik Hestad, Fredrik Aursnes, Etzaz Hussain and Magnus Wolff Eikrem valid options in midfield. The latter is the least owned by fantasy managers and has set pieces at his disposal. They will look to make the most of wonderkid Erling Braut Håland before his move to Red Bull Salzburg in the new year.
