As expected, the last set of fixtures was poor in terms of the average score, with the Gameweek winner coming in below 100 points for the first time since the blank fixtures.

There were some important lessons learned though, as some strained squads approach the summer break. As Norwegians, we have a rare glimpse of shining sun, and will tone back the previews to more bare essentials this time around with a focus on the key matches.

Gameweek 12 feature matches

Vålerenga – Lillestrøm

(Saturday, 5:00 P.M.)

This traditional Norwegian derby tends to be tough, tight and heavy. With no guarantee of good football the motivation should be high for both sides. Plenty of Fantasy managers are eager to see if Erling Knudtzon will be back in play, and if he will play up front or out wide.

Strømsgodset – Sandefjord

(Sunday, 5:00 P.M.)

Strømsgodset have disappointed everyone with their run so far, although there have been glimmers of hope with a series of close calls and woodwork strikes of late. If they can’t get it together against whipping-boys Sandefjord, then we know a turnaround in their fortunes is still some way off.

Rosenborg – Brann

(Sunday, 7:00 P.M.)

Brann started in red hot form and despite a drop off in form they are still finding results to remain undefeated in the league. Hot favorites Rosenborg have had the opposite journey; they are now looking like a top team after a slow start.

If Rosenborg win this game, they will be top of the league for the first time this season. Their attacking threat and home advantage will be needed as a clean sheet may be tricky.

For the hosts Yann-Erik de Lanlay is facing a race to be fit for this game. Rosenborg manager Kåre Ingebrigtsen has stated that de Lanlay will play if fit, implying that there will only be room for one of Søderlund and Bendtner in the starting lineup. If de Lanlay is out for this game, there’s a possibility both will start.

MrKlin says..

Looking ahead we see Sarpsborg 08 and Haugesund entering a great run of fixtures, with some nice options opening up.

For Haugesund, David Akintola should already be in many teams, and with a lighter schedule he can hopefully explode his potential further. Frederik Gytkjær, despite his last penalty landing somewhere in France, is a viable striker for the next four to five Gameweeks. Also look to the defence as Alexander Stølås and Vegard Skjerve sail up as alternative defensive options.

In Sarpsborg it’s harder to find the right picks. Goalie Aslak Falch has well and truly secured the number one shirt and is a shoo-in if you are looking for a keeper now, while Amin Askar splashed onto the scene with out of position play on the left midfield/wing as well as taking set-piece duty. Kristoffer Zachariassen was a pre-season favorite from this team, and has crept into form picking up an assist on the sly in each of his last three run outs.

Bonus info: with Ranheim striker Michael Karlsen suspended on yellow cards, Erik Tønne looks to be the penalty taker of choice as they travel to Bodø.

Johannes says..

Sarpsborg are coming from three back-to-back victories, and have great fixtures coming up. It looks like a good bet to bring in someone from Sarpsborg now. I agree with MrKlin and see Amin Askar as the standout pick at the moment. After having started the season as a full back, it seems like he’s now nailed down the left wing in the team. He’s a defender in the game, and also on a lot of set pieces.

Another Sarpsborg pick I like is Ole Jørgen Halvorsen, who’s currently occupying the right wing. He should be the penalty taker having scored the previous two spot kicks. Both Askar and Halvorsen should be pretty nailed, but with Sarpsborg’s squad depth there’s always a slight chance of rotation. Aslak Falch remains a good goalkeeper pick, and Patrick Mortensen could be a good differential up front as he’s very likely to start every game.

If you haven’t got in David Akintola yet, it might be the time to do so. He’s still red hot, and has good fixtures coming up. In the absence of Christian Grindheim against Tromsø he might be given an even more attacking role behind the striker. An attacking double up with Frederik Gytkjær could be a good differential in the coming weeks, despite the Danish forward skying a penalty against Rosenborg. Another great pick from Haugesund is Alexander Stølås. With four attacking returns already, I think he’ll reward his owners nicely over the next week.

Another team I’m monitoring is Strømsgodset. They have great fixtures, with Sandefjord and Start coming up in the next two, and have shown potential in recent matches, despite not overly impressing. I’ll back Marcus Pedersen to do well as my captain this week, and I personally think Eirik Ulland Andersen will return to form sooner rather than later. Bringing one of them in is a risk though, with a mass exodus from Ulland Andersen likely if he doesn’t return anything and Pedersen is one yellow away from suspension.

Alexander Søderlund deserves a mention. In Niklas Bendtner’s absences he impressed with two goals for Rosenberg, who I back to win against Brann. However, I’m not 100% convinced Søderlund will start. As mentioned only one of Søderlund and Bendtner will start if de Lanlay is fit, and with this being Bendtner’s last game before going to the World Cup I have a feeling he’ll be the one to get the nod. This is only my personal opinion though. If I already had Søderlund I’d play him, but non-owners may be advised to wait until Bendtner leaves for international duty.

Scout Picks

We’ve started tracking our scout picks score, but please note that we did not have scout picks for gameweek 1 and gameweek 6.

Niemi’s picks for Gameweek 12 (516)

Linde
Ruud – Askar – Stølås – Tønne
Ulland Andersen – Rashani – Halvorsen – Akintola
Pedersen (K) – Johnson

MrKlin’s picks for Gameweek 12 (473)

Falch
Ruud – Tønne – Askar
Reginiussen – Akintola (K) – Ulland Andersen – Zachariassen – Hestad
Gytkjær – Pedersen