Eliteserien Fantasy Gameweek 17 preview

The last double gameweek wasn’t the most memorable, but this week promises to be a high scoring one with Bodø/Glimt, Vålerenga, Kristiansund and Viking all playing twice. In addition, Molde and Brann don’t feature this week, meaning some of Eliteserien’s most popular players won’t be in action.

For managers who have invested heavily in those two teams, it looks like a perfect opportunity to employ the Rich Uncle chip to take a one-week punt on other players, with no budget restrictions. However, the quality of some of the players on show twice mean playing Attack! Attack! or Two Captains could be just as viable.

Rosenborg vs. Tromsø

Rosenborg feature in another early kickoff after taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the away leg of the Champions League qualifier against Maribor. Alexander Søderlund scored a brace in Slovenia, including a well struck free kick, while Mike Jensen continued his goalscoring form. However, some key players will be absent for this fixture. Birger Meling is suspended after a dive against Sarpsborg. Anders Konradsen showed flair to set up Jensen in the last league game, but didn’t make the squad in Europe and the club have confirmed that both he and Tore Reginiussen, who was withdrawn in the first half, will miss out.

Tromsø let a 2-0 lead slip against Mjøndalen, but showcased some more attacking quality at Alfheim. Onni Valakari lashed in a left foot volley from Magnus Andersen’s cross. Daniel Berntsen played in debutant Fitim Azemi, who provided a cool finish and 2 bonus points.

Bodø/Glimt vs. Viking FK

Bodø/Glimt had some notable absentees last time out. Without Brede Moe and and Marius Lode against Godset, Vegard Bergan was partnered by midfielder Ulrik Saltnes at centre back, while Geir Herrem was absent. Ricardo Friedrich was busy in goal, making a triple save en route to 2 bonus points, and his long ball turned into an assist for Håkon Evjen’s opening goal. Fredrik Andre Bjørkan got his third assist of the season in setting up the impressive Evjen’s second. Ole Amund Sveen was denied by a good save on his Glimt debut and ended the day with just a yellow card. Amor Layouni sealed win in injury time, intercepting a clearance and breaking through to score.

Viking are on a winless run which began with a high-scoring defeat against B/G in their first meeting. Ylldren Ibrahimaj’s goalbound shot was their best chance against Molde, but it was somehow blocked on the line. Both Tommy Høiland and Kristian Thorstvedt were limited to late cameos.

FK Haugesund vs. Ranheim

Haugesund narrowly lost their home leg 1-0 to PSV, after a 1-1 draw at Stabæk in their last Eliteserien game. Two teenagers combined for the goal, Kristoffer Velde finishing from Kevin Martin Krygård pass. The latter should’ve scored but couldn’t react quickly enough as a free kick fell to him in the box. Pascal Gregor has been added to the game as a 5m defender.

Ranheim were comfortably second best in their loss to Brann, never recovering after Ivar Furu gave away a penalty. They’ve actually won more points on the road than at home this season, so perhaps they’ll give a better account of themselves against a team with one eye on their European second leg.

Kristiansund BK vs. Odd

After being a favourite of the man in the stands last year, it may be surprising that Sean McDermott had to wait until GW16 to earn his first bonus points of the season, but his man of the match display earned Kristiansund a point against Vålerenga in the capital. Christophe Psyche again showed off his attacking threat with a header off bar that lead to Bent Sørmo’s goal. Frustratingly, it looks like Flamur Kastrati’s injury woes will keep him out once again.

Odd’s home record, the best in the league, has kept them in the title race and they could go within a point of Molde by winning their game in hand here. Torgeir Børven was instrumental in the comeback win against Lillestrøm; he poked the ball through to Elba Rashani to equalise and headed in the winner. Filip Moller Delaveris has two assists this season, both crosses setting up Børven headers after coming off the bench.

Strømsgodset vs. Vålerenga

Prosper Mendy, now available as a 5m defender, was caught out by the long ball that created the opening goal as Godset’s winless run was extended to seven games. Morten Sætra replaced Viljar Myhra in goal, but both are expected to make way for new signing Martin Hansen (5m). Lars-Christopher Vilsvik assisted for a second consecutive game, as new man up front Moses Mawa showed good footwork to evade defenders and quick thinking to toe-poke a finish into the corner. Jack Ipalibo didn’t feature, but the midfielder on loan from Villarreal can be selected for 5.5m.

Against Kristiansund, Vålerenga couldn’t continue the attacking form that saw them score 10 goals in their previous two games, but that was partly due to an impressive performance from McDermott. Bård Finne’s free kick was eventually headed in by the dangerous Matthias Vilhjalmsson. Aron Dønnum had a big chance to win the game as he arrived late in the box, but was denied by an excellent save. Costa Rican forward Mayron George is a new 7.5m option.

Lillestrøm vs. Mjøndalen

Kristoffer Ødemarksbakken’s classy finish looked like it could cause a shock against Odd, but Lillestrøm’s only away clean sheet remains their surprise GW10 win at rivals Vålerenga. The ball went through Tobias Salquist and Marko Maric’s legs for the equaliser, and leaving Børven unmarked was never going to end well.

Sondre Liseth finally found the end product to match his hard running, with a goal and an assist as Mjøndalen fought back to claim a point at Tromsø. Quint Jansen nearly scored a header from a Joachim Olsen Solberg free kick in the first half, but was later caught out at the back as TIL opened up a two-goal lead. Christian Gauseth was the beneficiary of Liseth’s assist, while Akeem Latifu’s pinpoint cross created the chance which saw the browns level.

Kristiansund BK vs. Bodø/Glimt

Four teams are in action again on Wednesday, including these two. Fixture postponements mean Kristiansund have only played six home games thus far, but they’ve won four of those including an impressive win over Molde. This DGW sees them take on two more title hopefuls at home.

Bodø/Glimt have largely impressed on the road, with four wins from seven. However, they’ve conceded 18 goals in the process, so defensive options may fare better at against Viking at Aspmyra, where B/G have kept all four of their clean sheets this season.

Stabæk vs. Vålerenga

Marcus Sandberg has provided exceptional value in goal this season, and earned another 3 bonus points against Haugesund. Luc Kassi’s only blank in the last five was away at Odd; his corner teed up Andreas Hanche-Olsen to score a volley. Yaw Amankwah slotted straight into the defence and earned a bonus point.

Vålerenga are without an away clean sheet ahead of two more games on the road, but their wins against Ranheim and Haugesund prove they can show off their offensive prowess away from the Intility Arena. With Jonathan Tollås Nation still injured, attacking options are likely to attract more interest.

Viking FK vs. Sarpsborg 08

Viking haven’t won any of their last three home games, but will hope to amend that against a visiting side who are yet to win away this season.

Kristoffer Zachariassen remains crucial for Sarpsborg, with bonus points in each of his last two games. Captain Joachim Thomassen scored a powerful header against Rosenborg after a flick on from Jørgen Strand Larsen. S08’s new signings all made their debuts apart from Lenny Nangis.