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Eliteserien Fantasy season preview – Part 2

The teams who finished in the bottom half of 2019’s Eliteserien table feature tempting fantasy options at various price points. Some teams underperformed, some suffered poor late-season results and some saved themselves from relegation at the last minute. Ranheim and Tromsø were automatically relegated, while Lillestrøm’s 45 year stay in Norway’s top-flight came to an end after they surrendered a 5-2 aggregate lead in the final minutes of their playoff. They’re replaced by Aalesund, Sandefjord and Start, whose fortunes in the coming season could vary wildly. Let’s start by looking at last season’s ninth-placed team.

Brann

One of the league’s most vaunted defences put on a decent if unspectacular show, but the attack struggled for goals in 2019 – only Sarpsborg scored fewer than Brann’s total of 32. Vito Wormgoor’s departure sees Vegard Forren (5.5m) join from Molde. Ralf Fährmann had joined on loan, but left before playing a competitive match. Ali Ahamada (6.0m) looks to have the edge over Håkon Opdal (6.0m) in goal.

Winger Gilbert Koomson (7.0m) struggled for end product last season but is kinder on the budget this year. The more consistent Petter Strand, meanwhile, has seen his price rise to 8.0m. Robert Taylor (7.0m) joins from relegated Tromsø to add depth out wide, while former Lillestrøm man Daniel A. Pedersen (5.5m) is a deep-lying midfield option.

Daouda Bamba (9.0m) will hope to better last season’s tally of seven goals. He’ll be backed up by Marcus Mehnert (6.0m) who has scored goals in his young career but is unproven at this level.

Vålerenga

The capital club spent most of last season in the top half but slumped to a disappointing finish. Dag-Eilev Fagermo replaces Ronny Deila as manager.

Last year’s performances see left-footer Aron Dønnum (8.5m) closer in price to Herolind Shala and Bård Finne (both 9.0m). Fredrik Oldrup Jensen (5.0m) may not offer the greatest fantasy returns but could solidify the midfield.

Matthias Vilhjalmsson (8.0m) will lead the line but wasn’t the most explosive prospect for fantasy managers in his first season in Oslo. At the back, meanwhile, Ivan Näsberg (4.5m) could be a cheap route into the defence while Kristoffer Klaesson (5.0m) is now the clear first choice in goal.

Strømsgodset

Despite spending a substantial part of the season in the relegation zone, Henrik Pedersen’s arrival saw a change in fortunes. Last summer’s key signings Mikkel Maigaard, Lars-Jørgen Salvesen and Moses Mawa (all 8.5m) will look to pick up where they left off; the former providing set-piece expertise and bonus points from midfield and the latter pair a potent striking duo.

Herman Stengel (5.0m) enjoyed his best spell of form for Godset under Pedersen. Young Dane Marcus Mølvadgaard (7.0m) and Latvia international Janis Ikaunieks (6.5m) join Kristoffer Tokstad (6.5m) as the mid-price options in midfield.

Godset are the only surviving team from last season with no defensive or goalkeeping options to cost more than 5.0m – perhaps not surprising for the team who conceded the third most goals, with 54. Prosper Mendy (5.0m) faces a long rehabilitation after a knee injury.

Sarpsborg 08

Sarpsborg recorded only five wins last year and averaged just one goal per game, the lowest in the division. They were saved by their ability to keep games close, drawing half of all their matches, and only losing twice at home.

They’re an intriguing fantasy prospect this time around; new manager Mikael Stahre led AIK to a Swedish double in 2009 and will employ a 3-4-3 formation. Sulayman Bojang (4.5m) could provide exceptional value as a wing-back, with Magnar Ødegaard (5.0m) reverting to centre back.

In central midfield, Anton Saletros (5.0m) looks a popular pick at his price point, while Ole Jørgen Halvorsen and (7.0m) and Mohamed Ofkir (6.5m) could occupy attacking positions. The experienced Mos Abdellaoue (7.5m) will no doubt bag a few goals, but will this be the year that Jørgen Strand Larsen (7.5m) takes the league by storm?

Mjøndalen

Unless defender Sondre Solholm Johansen (5.5m) can retain both the goal threat and penchant for bonus points he showed last season, his price looks a bit steep. Newly signed Marcus Nakkim will compete with Quint Jansen (both 4.5m) for the other spot at the back.

Plenty of focus will be on Tonny Brochmann (7.5m) and captain Christian Gauseth (6.0m) who contributed a combined 13 goals from midfield last term. Lars Olden Larsen (7.0m) could add more of the same having scored nine from midfield for KFUM last season. Fredrik Brustad (6.5) was the hero on the final day as his goal kept Mjøndalen up, but had an otherwise indifferent season.

Sondre Liseth (6.0m) put in plenty of running, but he spends a lot of time in wide positions and even for a budget striker his three goals didn’t set the world alight. New signing Ibrahim Shuaibu (6.0m) hadn’t scored an Eliteserien goal for Haugesund since 2017, but has enjoyed two good loan spells at Kongsvinger since then.

Aalesunds FK

The runaway winners of 2019’s OBOS-ligaen won every home match and 17-goal Niklas Castro (8.5m) was the star of the show. Despite a hefty price tag, no player from the promoted sides features in more fantasy teams at time of writing.

Of the two 4.5m goalkeepers here, Gudmund Kongshavn is currently selected by more fantasy managers, but Lars Bohinen has stated that Andreas Lie will start the season as first choice. One-time FPL budget star Jordon Mutch (6.5m) and youngster Simen Bolkan Nordli (7.0m) bolster a midfield featuring the experienced Peter Orry Larsen and Fredrik Carlsen (both 5.0m).

With Torbjørn Agdestein (6.5m) injured, Sigurd Haugen (6.5m) and the 6’5” Holmbert Fridjonsson (7.5m) are the striking options. All three are proven in Norway’s second tier, with Haugen having spent time at Sogndal, but only Agdestein has had a meaningful impact in Eliteserien before.

Sandefjord

Heavily tipped to go straight back down, Rufo (6.5m) should be key if 2019 OBOS-ligaen runners up Sandefjord are to defy expectations. His seven goals in 2018 weren’t enough to save his side from relegation.

New signings Kristoffer Normann Hansen (6.0m) and Erik Næsbak Brenden (5.5m) are two more midfielders who could be tasked with attacking roles. Two young strikers are on the books; Sivert Gussiås (5.5m) joins from Molde having scored 12 while on loan at Strømmen, while George Gibson (5.0m) has been more prolific in pre-season.

Full backs Brice Wembangomo and Anton Kralj (both 5.0m) are the pricier options at the back, while Lars Grorud (4.5m) looks primed to feature in central defence as he approaches his 37th birthday.

IK Start

Martin Ramsland (7.0m), the scorer of the hat-trick which secured promotion in Lillestrøm’s infamous collapse, is injured to start the season, so Steffen Lie Skålevik (6.0m) returns to the side where he scored 10 goals in 11 games in 2017.

Damion Lowe’s contract was terminated after the defender travelled to the United States for family reasons. He was a key man in Start’s last top-flight season, but Vegard Bergan (4.5m) seems a reasonable replacement having featured heavily for Odd and Bodø/Glimt in the last couple of years. Goalkeeper Jonas Deumeland (4.5m) is still around, having been a good source of save and bonus points in 2018.

Aron Sigurdarson was a driving force behind promotion but has since left for Belgium. Can Kevin Kabran (7.0m), Kasper Skaanes (5.5m) or newly signed Eirik Schulze (6.5m) fill the void? Afeez Aremu (4.5m) is a more defensively minded midfielder, but could be a key player and scored three goals in his last Eliteserien season.

TallestJohn <p>Had Mahrez from the start in 2015-16.</p><p>Keep forgetting to write about Eliteserien. Keep getting worse at Allsvenskan.</p>

309 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Start 2 - 2 Stromsgodset

    Full-Time Grab:

    Start:

    Encouraging performance overall.

    Wichne - Not much to say. Let in 2 goals. Wasn't a bad performance but didn't really do much.
    Daland - Looked like a 4m defender - got forward at set-pieces but seemed flustered at the back. Did well in parts but looked exhausted at the end and made a few mistakes.
    Bergan - in the box at set pieces and played some good long balls now and then.
    Tonnessen - Outjumped by Salevsen for the opening goal. Took IFKs before being subbed early 2nd half
    Wichne - Heavily involved. Took a lot of attacking throw ins and IFKs in 2nd half. Was beaten by Mawa in build up to 2nd goal.
    Aremu - Did what a 4.5m midfielder does. Won't score many Fantasy points but was solid, combative and aggressive. Odd nice ball here and there.
    Kabran - Looks a talent. Tad selfish and maybe could have passed more but got a good assist and looked very lively. Sometimes overplays but is definitely a flair player.
    Bringaker - Scored with a lovely flick from a Schulze cross. Made some nice runs but seemed to switch from playing in midfield to up front. Looks good value for money.
    Segberg - Did very little before being subbed with a potential injury.
    Skalevik - Disappointed. Headed over early in the game. He tried to hold up play and bring others into attacks, but wasn't really in the game. Seemed frustrated.
    Markovic - Where do I begin? He was the best player on the pitch for large parts of the game. Ran the show in the first half. Scored a wonderful goal after a short pass from Kabran. Manages to find himself in pockets of space no Stromsgodset player could predict. Made a lot of runs, took corners and the odd free kick. Seems to have a lot in his game. Had some flashes of brilliance - passes the eye test and more.
    Schulze (Subbed on) - Got the assist for Bringaker's goal. Worked well down the left. Put in a shift.
    Robstad (Subbed on) - Huge influence on the second half of the game. Energetic, tireless effort. Passed to Kabran in build up to Markovic's goal.

    Stromsgodset:

    More reactive than pro-active despite scoring the first goal.

    Myhra - Looks to be the Ederson of Eliteserien. Was playing as sweeper during the first half and was quick to throw/kick long balls. His quick thinking set Mawa free down the left which ultimately led to the equaliser. Made some good saves and was unfortunate to let in 2 goals
    Leifsson and Gunnarsson - Were composed at the back but went missing for the goals. Leifsson seemed the busier of the two. At half time it looked unlikely Start would be able to get through them but ultimately they did.
    Parr - Attacking runs, forward balls, lively performance. Was beaten for the first goal and was harshly booked. Will feel it was not his day.
    Vilsvik - Had a solid first half but second half looked very, very impressive. Link up play with Stengels after Ikaunieks went off was brilliant. Blocked a certain goal and was defensively very strong. One of the best players on the pitch.
    Maigaard - Seemed to play deeper than expected. Had a quiet game first half apart from the odd shot. Second half was more involved - had an ambitious long shot which hit the bar. Played mainly in the 'Modric' role.
    Ikaunieks - Missed a sitter early in first half. Combined well with Stengel before being subbed in the 2nd half.
    Jack - Had a similar game to Aremu. Defensive, combative, physical player.
    Stengel - Had a great game. First half was solid enough but second half he combined so well with Ikaunieks and then Vilsvik which ultimately led to him scoring after Salvesen set him up. Was very attacking down the right hand-side. At 5m you're unlikely to see a more attacking midfielder.
    Tokstad - Similar to Kabran in his approach. Set up Salvesen in the first half with a lovely cross from the left. Was forward much of the game and made some clever runs. Ultimately seems like he wasted a few chances to provide more opportunities for his teammates.
    Salvesen - Deceptive points total. He wasn't convincing. He scored a great header (that was pretty much the first thing he did in the game after missing a sitter). He lost the ball frequently but to his credit was tracking back a bit. He set up Stengel for the second after great play by Mawa.
    Mawa (subbed on) - Put in a lovely shift. Collected Myhra's long ball before beating Wichne on the right. Cut inside and laid it off for Salvesen to flick across to Stengel to finish. Physical, quick-thinking player.
    Hove (subbed on) - Only thing of note he did was fall over with Robstad before Start scored. Not a great game for him.

    My best players:

    Vilsvik, Stengel and Markovic.

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Amazing post - Thanks for the info

      1. ReindeerHotdog
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Not a problem. Glad it's appreciated.
        Whichever games I watch I'll try and get some kind of review done at full-time!

  2. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    This Haugesund - Brann game has been less than exciting, lets put it that way.

    Brann:

    Koomson - Best player on the pitch. Looks very exciting and creative down the right. Just struggled to really do much with the ball.
    Bamba - Trying but swiping at thin air
    Forren - Pinging some nice long balls around
    Taylor - Took some corners and swung some nice balls in
    Should be leading but somehow they've been so poor at creating tangible chances from their many attacks

    FKH:
    Sandberg - Hasn't really done much. Forced out wide now and then. Played some nice balls but not too involved in the game
    Kallman - The invisible man. Been absolutely nowhere
    Leite - Best FKH player so far. Tackling, blocking, playing nice balls. Very good.
    Grindheim - Getting stuck in and having a solid game.
    Desler - Made a couple of mistakes that could have easily led to goals. Fortunate not to have cost his team a goal or two. Has looked half-decent going forward though. Blazed a shot over at end of the first half.
    Tiedemann - Carried ball forward every now and then. Hasn't defended brilliantly at times.
    Pedersen - Put in some good blocks and defended well. Failed to provide too much from the left.

    Best players:

    Koomson (not even close), Forren, Leite

    Decided to write a half-time post as I probably won't watch the rest of the game due to food etc...

    Hopefully this is helpful enough and Sandberg actually starts to play second half! Desler really does look like he's going to gift Brann a goal though...

  3. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Goal!

    FKH 0 - 1 Brann

    G - Taylor
    A - Barmen

  4. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Goal! (Belated post - food comes first)

    FKH 1 - 1 Brann

    G - Sandberg

  5. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Assist for Sandberg's goal (Penalty) has been given to Pallessen Knudsen.

  6. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Goal!

    FKH 1 - 2 Brann

    G - Pedersen (Header)
    A - Haugen (Corner)

  7. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    3 Pedersen
    2 Sandberg
    1 Koomson

  8. TAT
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A bit early perhaps, but is there any news re. Wolff Eikrem? Need to get rid of James, but if Eikrem is out too, I need to consider the possibility of a -4.

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Think I read somewhere that Eikrem is fine

      1. TAT
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Good! Would hate having to take a hit after just one gameweek. Now I'll just have to find a James replacement…

        1. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Salvesen is tempting

          1. TAT
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Salvesen is definitely an option, so is Børven. Børven is maybe more like to deliver consistently?

          2. ReindeerHotdog
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I've gone for Salvesen. I watched the game and he took his goal really well and found himself in the right place for his assist.

            He's a big lad and throws his weight around nicely. I reckon he'll give that Odd defence a horrible time.

            I now have 10.5m in the bank so at least I have a few more options moving forward. I'm just waiting for Stolas to return! Although that Haugesund defence is shocking.

            1. TAT
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Salvesen does free up some funds, that's for sure. Could come in handy in case upgrades are needed elsewhere.

              1. ReindeerHotdog
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Stromsgodset's next 3 games all look pretty favourable. While Salvesen didn't run the show, he stepped up twice when needed.
                To be honest Bamba would be just as good a shout. He looked decent against Haugesund. Borven is an odd one because of his transfer.

                1. TAT
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  Haven't either considered Brann assets, but I guess Bamba should always be in the conversation. And I agree, Børven might be a tricky one given he's due to leave for Rosenborg. I imagine Rosenborg are trying to get him to Trondheim earlier than 1. August.

                  1. TAT
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    Haven't even*

                  2. ReindeerHotdog
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    Brann were unlucky not to keep a clean against Haugesund. Koomson was one of the best players across all the games in my opinion. He was absolutely everywhere. Was very unfortunate not to get a goal. Same could be said for Bamba - he looked dangerous but couldn't quite make enough of an impression to get the goal that was there for him.
                    I agree - I can't see Borven staying in Skien until the eve of his transfer. Then again I don't know enough about that side of things. I'm still very wary of it though but as soon as he arrives in Trondheim he's straight in my team. Islamovic has a LOT to do over the next 6 weeks to convince me he's the better option.

                    1. TAT
                      • 6 Years
                      3 years, 9 months ago

                      Interesting; I didn't expect Brann to hit the ground running, but Koomson and Bamba is on my watch list now.

                      Islamovic hasn't had the best start, so I wasn't surprised to see Børven linked. Still leaves the question about game time between the two, but that's not an issue to worry about until Børven is there.

  9. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Been a good few months since I've posted but Eliteserien never fails to get me invested. Cheers to all for the posts, the match overviews have been much appreciated RH, good to have you onboard.

    Finished GW1 with 64, Børven (K).

    Contemplating bringing in Ohi for James if he's fit, then swapping back if early teams news indicates if necessary prior to GW3. Or if Ohi & James both start (vs. Start), could even go Børven to James for an Eikrem, James & Ohi triple up for a week. Ambitious, but fancy the potential there. What's the Ohi news?

    Good luck for the season all, glad to be back!

    1. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not a bother. Happy to help however I can.

      I'm putting something together now looking at who has stood out in Round 1 and how to approach the James situation.

      Not sure whether we're looking at an article or a hot topic yet but I hope to have it finished by the very latest tomorrow morning.

      The next round of games is this weekend so it would be nice to have a new article up before then in my opinion.

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Sounds fantastic mate, will be looking out for it.

  10. GertJan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Deumeland not first choice at Start?

    1. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Hard to say after just one game, but Wichne was preferred against Stromsgodset and didn't do much wrong. If he was trusted against them I'd be surprised if he was rotated for the Sandefjord game. I suppose we'll get a clearer picture over the next few weeks - if he starts against Molde I'd say that's pretty conclusive.
      Though you're only as good as your last mistake especially when you're not considerably better than someone challenging for your spot.

  11. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Helland not starting tomorrow. I would normally say 'unlucky owners' but anyone who got him knew what they signed up for

    1. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      He was good for about 30/35 minutes of the game. He's so overpriced he's just not an option. Ignoring Eikrem you could have any Molde midfielder for at least 2m less.

      I've always thought of him as a much worse version of Hazard, only he thinks he's just as good.

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah he thinks very highly of himself. If he spent half the time trying to stay fit as he does trying to talk himself up he probably would have been a good player.

        He had one great season (think it was 2015). Been overpriced in every fantasy edition ever since. I have no idea why he costs 2m more than someone like Finne (who has showed far more consistency over the last 2-3 years).

    2. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I thought he went off injured but wasn't too sure. He is made of glass.

      Hopefully this means we'll see a bit more of Zachariassen. I'm quietly looking forward to seeing how Tagseth does without him in the side.

  12. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Keeping James is becoming more and more appealing considering I'll likely want him back for GW3. Holding on to the two transfers I'd be using (selling, then re-buying) feels much more profitable than a one-week punt or hit for a B/G mid this early in the season with only one game of knowledge behind us. That said, if it becomes unlikely that Børven starts this weekend, that changes everything.

  13. New Community Article
    Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    New Eliteserien article is up!

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/06/19/eliteserien-round-up-round-1/

    A full writeup of all the games, plus a bit on what to do about James...