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Eliteserien Optician – Runde 10

Why the Eye-Test?

For those of you who have read my comments regarding the Eliteserien and Allsvenskan before, it will come as no surprise that I am taking a more visual approach to my first article, as opposed to the rigorous statistics of Reindeer Hotdog. Although there is plenty of legitimate argument to be made regarding the subjective nature of the eye-test, I have now spent 2 seasons watching the Eliteserien and reducing my notes to what I believe are predominantly objective descriptors (and consequent conclusions).

This strategy has helped me to some all-time best ranks, and I hope that this run can continue as the 2021 Eliteserien season unfolds: 21st in Eliteserien Fantasy (2020 – peaked at 4th), 2nd in Allsvenskan Fantasy (current – peaked at 1st), top 25k in FPL (2020/21), top 10k in Euro Fantasy (current).

For the most part, I reduce my eye-tests to the following variables:

  • Frequency with which a team attempts (and fails) to pass the ball out of their own half.
  • Number of players behind the ball out of possession.
  • Proportion of long-shots conceded.
  • Height and structure of defensive line.
  • System changes relative to score and, therefore, how likely a side is to concede more than 1.
  • Relative player positioning in possession – advanced, central, under-/over-lapping, etc.
  • Centre-points of attacking play i.e., playmaker and target-man.
  • Frequency and “ambition” with which a player shoots – selfishness & confidence.
  • Off-the-ball positioning and ‘Out of Position’ players.

As this is my first article regarding my beloved eye-test, I will look to introduce some of these variables by using contextual examples from an Eliteserien match in either Runde 8 or Runde 9, therefore demonstrating not only what I look for in these games but how I apply this to adapt my squad. In future weeks, I will look to introduce each of the remaining variables as I see particularly relevant to my thoughts and plans.

Frequency with which a team attempts (and fails) to pass the ball out of their own half

Beginning with one of my favourites, I use this variable to qualitatively record, and thus provide more insight into, mistake-contingent statistics. Key components include mistake frequency, risk caused by build-up play, risk caused by poor player distribution, and the consequent likelihood of mistakes leading to goals.

It may not come much of a surprise that Trømso are the side with the greatest issues of late, specifically in their losses to Lillestrom and Odd in Runde 8 and 9, respectively.

Versus Lillestrom, the issues began in the 38th minute as a poor pass out the back ended up at the feet of Ifeanyi Mathew. The defence then entered a state of complete disarray as Mathew found Gjermund Åsen on the left, leaving Thomas Lehne Olsen in acres of space to get a shot off from 10 yards. This pattern continued throughout the match, Lehne Olsen capitalising on this in the 52nd minute to add his second of the match after Jacob Karlstrøm blasted a pass off the shins of his own defender. Back-to-back miskicks from Isak Amundsen gave Lehne Olsen an opening to complete his hattrick in the 58th minute, but fortunately the Lillestrom talisman failed to take advantage and spared Amundsen’s blushes.

Despite facing a high-pressing Odd side in Runde 9, it was quite clear from the off that Trømso would not learn from their mistakes. A simple interception by Joshua Kitolano in the 13th minute presented Markus Kaasa with a chance to make it 1-0; Sander Svendsen probably would have done so had Kaasa looked for the pass. Two pathetic missed interceptions leading to Mushaga Bakenga’s second of the night warrant discussion as ‘losses of possession’, the Trømso defenders seemingly dumbfounded by the prospect of intercepting Odin Björtuft’s weak pass from inside his own half.

This consistent insistence on playing the ball out the back, regardless of opposing pressure and ability to do so, makes Trømso a clear target in weeks to come. It is because of this that I currently have the armband on Bendik Bye for Runde 10 – a player I later mention with regards to ambitious shooting. In this instance, it is quite clear irrespective of these highlights that this defence is one of the weaker in the division, however it is the instances in which errors like this are identifiable without a clear correlation to goals conceded that make this analysis beneficial.

A brief example of this is with Molde’s latest shot-stopper Oliver Petersen. On two occasions in Runde 9 (in the 45th and 60th minutes), hesitant distribution from the youngster nearly cost Molde the three points, on the earlier occasion presenting a great chance for the usually clinical Erik Botheim to break to deadlock. It is for this reason I am confident in starting Fred Friday vs. Molde in Runde 10, hoping that this trend continues.

Number of players behind the ball out of possession

Although this tends to fluctuate game-by-game, a side’s defensive structure relative to the strength of opposition is often beneficial to transfer planning when attempting to target weaker defences. A prime example of this can be found in Mjøndalen’s performances vs. Strømsgodset and Kristiansund, two games versus fantastic attacking sides across which they only conceded twice.

Versus Strømsgodset, there was only one occasion (1/7) where there were fewer than 7 Mjøndalen players in their own box at the time a shot was taken; on four occasions (4/7) there were 8 or 9 defenders present. The opposition, however, had 7 or more men in their own box for just three (3/9) of Mjøndalen’s attempts. This defensive onslaught not only means that a greater proportion of shots are inevitably blocked but it means that the opposition are forced to take a greater proportion of their shots from distance (or not at all), with little space to play into further forwards. This directly links to the proportion of long-shots conceded – a variable I assess separately, hopefully to be discussed in future articles.

Something I had not realised until writing this article is the consistency with which Mjøndalen have been able to hold off onslaughts from big sides this season, conceding only once to Valerenga, twice away at Viking, twice away at Bodø/Glimt, and keeping a clean sheet versus Molde. It is quite clear that Mjøndalen are, as last season also showed, no whipping boys. It is, therefore, unlikely that I will captain an opposing player again this season (despite Sondre Sørli’s Runde 7 haul being one time in which I have done so prior).

Height and structure of defensive line

The positioning and structural integrity of a team’s defensive line is often only represented by statistics that regard shots and chances conceded. However, the use of the eye-test allows for the identification of the specific limitations of a system. This is the primary reason for my Runde 10 move: Carlo Holse to Ola Brynhildsen. The system in question: Strømsgodset, specifically versus Mjøndalen’s Martin Ovenstad.

From the off, it was clear that Ovenstad was going to be allowed space to flourish, following up on Lars Olden Larsen’s 5th minute shot without contest, acres of space left both inside and outside of Lars-Christopher Vilsvik for the Mjøndalen winger. This continued throughout the first half, another prime example being in the 31st minute where Ovenstad was left isolated to set up an Ole Sveen shot whilst only Vilsvik was present on the entire right-hand side of the Strømsgodset half (when Ovenstad received the ball). Even as Nikolas Walstad looked to overlap, no defender came across to help contain the threat.

Ovenstad went on to have 5 shots, scoring in the 58th minute with (no prizes for guessing) a shot curled through this gap left between Vilsvik and the rest of the defence. Having flourished in recent weeks, I have no reason to doubt that Molde’s attack will take advantage of this space. Ola Brynhildsen loves a shot from the area identified, so I’m backing him to grab a goal on his next outing.

Relative player positioning in possession – advanced, central, under-/over-lapping, etc

This is probably the variable I most often take note of because a player’s positioning relative to that of their teammates is usually a top-tier predictor of goal involvement, to an extent more so than player ability, thus making it pivotal in selecting a fantasy football squad. Although relatively self-explanatory, using the eye-test to assess player positioning in different situations provides a much better idea of attacking involvement than a simple heat map. This is because, for example, relative player positioning during counterattacks is much more important than their average position over ninety minutes.

Two teams where this evaluation is essential to selecting the best attacking options are Valerenga and Bodø/Glimt, this because of the large quantity of attacking options requiring comparison. This makes the Runde 8 tie an ideal opportunity to see how the sides’ systems may benefit, or hinder, some options.

In the absence of Aron Dønnum, and the consequent introduction of Tobias Christensen, it was apparent from the off that Valerenga would have to adapt their system to accommodate their primarily central selection of attacking assets: Henrik Bjørdal, Osame Sahraoui (‘central’ given that Amor Layouni has occupied the left wing since arriving), Henrik Udahl, and the aforementioned Tobias Christensen. Since my comment regarding Christian Borchgrevink last week, my thoughts have not changed (with the exception that, versus Stabaek, Christensen occupied a wider position at times, with Borchgrevink underlapping): “VIF looked like a different side against Glimt, Sahraoui & Christensen both occupying central positions in a somewhat changed system. This left space for Borchgrevink to advance from right-back, taking 3 shots from open play vs. a strong Glimt side”. It was because of this that I opted to start Borchgrevink versus Stabaek, a decision I have not yet been made to regret at the time of article submission.

Unlike Valerenga, Bodø/Glimt have had little reason to adjust their system this season. Visual assessment of their players’ positioning, however, has been crucial to identifying the greatest value options early on. The three key comparisons, for me, have been Alfons Sampsted versus Fredrik Bjørkan, Brunstad Fet versus Ulrik Saltnes, and Sondre Sørli versus Ola Solbakken. I will be going into these over the coming weeks as I look to shift Glimt assets out ahead of two blank Gameweeks either side of a tough away tie to Sarpsborg 08.

Frequency and “ambition” with which a player shoots – selfishness & confidence

Last, but certainly not least, comes a variable for which I use far too many words to simply state: “he shoots lots and I like that”. Although shot frequency and xG can be reflected statistically, there is a certain beauty in the interaction between ambition and confidence/selfishness which can only really be identified by watching a player. The best examples of this, for me, are: Amahl Pellegrino (formerly of Kristiansund), Aron Dønnum, Kristoffer Velde, Bendik Bye, and Kristoffer Normann Hansen. This is something I will look to discuss in more detail in upcoming weeks. This alone has contributed hugely to my game-plan in recent years and will do so in weeks to come – Velde’s arrival is imminent.

Conclusion: And Your Thoughts?

The more I think, the more I realise how much depth can be put behind visual analysis, and I truly believe that watching more games is the number one route to improvement in any fantasy manager. Despite a great acknowledgement of the importance of statistics, I feel that an overemphasis on the numbers is often a hindrance rather than a gift when it comes to fantasy football. That said, I am very interested to hear alternative opinions, whether they regard how you use the eye-test or the emphasis which you place on it relative to statistics. I will look to discuss some of these opposing opinions in future articles.

Best of luck for Runde 10! Cue Bye and Brynhildsen blanks.

Eytexi @Eytexi on Twitter for English Eliteserien & Allsvenskan content. One half of @CaribouKraftPOD (footballing & fantasy content).

698 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sandefjord Fotball

    1 Jacob Storevik KAPTEIN
    2 Brice Wembangomo
    5 Martin Kreuzriegler
    12 Mats Haakenstad
    17 Sander Moen Foss
    6 Sander Risan Mørk
    8 Jose Eduardo de Araujo
    18 William Albin Kurtovic
    11 Kristoffer Normann Hansen
    14 Alexander Ruud Tveter
    23 Vidar Ari Jonsson

    Haugesund

    12 Egil Selvik
    4 Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen
    15 Ulrik Tillung Fredriksen
    22 Alexander Stølås
    23 Thore Baardsen Pedersen
    7 Peter Nysted Therkildsen
    8 Kevin Martin Krygård
    10 Niklas Sandberg
    11 Kristoffer Velde
    9 Sondre Liseth KAPTEIN
    17 Ibrahima Wadji

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Normann Hansen back for Sandefjord

      1. leo_messi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Egil Selvik is back, Myhra points not for me than...

  2. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sarpsborg 08

    21 Anders Kristiansen
    4 Bjørn Inge Utvik
    24 Mikael Bertil Dyrestam
    28 Ben Kantie Karamoko
    5 Magnar Ødegård
    6 Nicolai Næss
    16 Joachim Thomassen KAPTEIN
    20 Anton Janos Jönsson Salétros
    8 Mohamed Ofkir
    11 Jonathan Lindseth
    22 Kristian Fardal Opseth

    Sarpsborg 08

    21 Anders Kristiansen
    4 Bjørn Inge Utvik
    24 Mikael Bertil Dyrestam
    28 Ben Kantie Karamoko
    5 Magnar Ødegård
    6 Nicolai Næss
    16 Joachim Thomassen KAPTEIN
    20 Anton Janos Jönsson Salétros
    8 Mohamed Ofkir
    11 Jonathan Lindseth
    22 Kristian Fardal Opseth

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Oops…

      Mjøndalen

      1 Sousha Makani
      6 Joackim Andreas Olsen Solberg
      12 Markus Lund Nakkim
      23 Sondre Solholm Johansen
      2 Syver Skaar Eriksen
      3 Nikolas Walstad
      11 Christian Andreas Gauseth KAPTEIN
      17 Martin Rønning Ovenstad
      18 Stian Semb Aasmundsen
      8 Fredrik Neerland Brustad
      9 Benjamin Stokke

  3. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Strømsgodset

    1 Viljar Røsholt Myhra
    2 Ari Leifsson
    3 Jonathan Parr
    26 Lars-Christopher Horst Jan Vilsvik
    71 Gustav Valsvik KAPTEIN
    6 Ipalibo Jack
    7 Herman Sørby Stengel
    8 Johan Hove
    9 Imoh Fred Friday
    17 Tobias Fjeld Gulliksen
    19 Halldor Østervold Stenevik

    Odd

    1 Sondre Løvseth Rossbach
    6 Magnus Lekven KAPTEIN
    11 Gilli Rolantsson Sørensen
    23 Solomon Owusu
    25 John Shuguto Kitolano
    7 Filip Rønningen Jørgensen
    8 Markus André Kaasa
    16 Joshua Gaston Kitolano
    20 Tobias Lauritsen
    22 Kristoffer Knudsen Larsen
    29 Sander Svendsen

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No Bakenga
      No Double Kaptain for me…

      1. ReindeerHotdog
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        13pts not to be sniffed at!

        Spissrush with TLO/Ohi/Friday only scored 4 more points...

        Almost went for Bakenga (Ohi out) but wasn't convinced it was worth the hit.

        Captaincy really is my least favourite part of the game!

  4. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I haven't started looking at putting a team together yet. From looking at the various sites, twitter, FFS etc, I'm seeing a lot of near identical teams! Every team seems to have TAA, Salah and Fernandez. What's going on? Is it easier to pick a team this year? Have FPL got the pricing wrong? Something doesn't seem right and I'm already building a desire to go away from this template. Don't want the same team as everybody else. So boring.

    1. FPL Xylophone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Start playing fantasy eliteserien. Much more fun!

    2. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      U can have Son, Kane and Auba. Maybe thats good for u.

  5. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Goal!
    Mjondalen in the opening minute!
    1-0

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Solheim Johnson - Get in my son!!!

      1. Mince n Tatties
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        No apologies for the auto correct misspelling…

  6. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Lillestrom take lead in the 9th minute
    Matthew with the opener

    1. FPL Xylophone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Lehne the assist!

  7. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Goal for Sandefjord!
    Lovely build up
    Patience is a virtue - but well worth it on this occasion!
    Risan Mork calmly slots it home

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Normann Hansen assists by the looks of it for me - but not been awarded yet

      1. FPL Xylophone
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Fingers crossed!

        1. FPL Xylophone
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          The assist was given! 120 points before bonus. Happy for that. Highest ranking so far around 1700.

  8. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Great chance for Sandefjord
    Jonsson beats his man and just one touch too many and the keeper is able to pounce on it
    Should be 2-0 up

  9. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Substitution at half time for Haugesund
    Knudsen is off / Mads Sande is on

  10. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    And the 2nd half is barely underway and we have a goal for Stromsgodset
    1-0
    Jack with the goal

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Friday assist

  11. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Stabaek get one back against Lillestrom
    1-1

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Edvarsden gets another goal in Runde 13

  12. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    And Stromsgodset double their lead against Odd
    2-0

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Gulliksen goal

  13. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Only just thought about my team but Looking at fixtures should I targeting Liverpool and villa?

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Molde is the only team to think about right now

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Sorry have i posted on the wrong thread ?

        1. ReindeerHotdog
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          No, this is clearly an FPL article.

  14. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Haugesund go level with Sandefjord
    1-1

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Fredriksen goal

    2. modtern
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Will Velde get the assist?

  15. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Goals Galore!
    I can't keep up!
    Stromsgodset 3-0 now
    And it's Stengel this time

  16. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    And now Odd are on the scoresheet
    they trail 3-1 now

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Cancel that - its been disallowed

  17. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Goal! Lillestrom retake the lead!
    2-1
    It's the man, the myth, the legend
    Lehne Olsen

  18. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    It's a third for Lillestrom!
    3-1
    Lillestrom Olsen with a brace!!!
    Attack attack was the best option this Runde!
    Lehne Olsen, Friday and Bakenga is sweet if you have it!

    1. El Puqi
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Was so close to do Ohi to Fridah for a hit… Lost big points there

      But well done! The perfect use of the chip may I say

  19. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Stabaek reply once again
    They are still in this!
    2-3 they trail
    Geelmuyden the sub with their 2nd

  20. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I do not fecking believe it
    Mjondalen - what are you doing to me man!!
    you lose your clean sheet in the 97th minute to Brann
    And you've only fecking gone and done it again in the final minute against Sarpsborg!
    Aaaaarrrrrggggghhhhhh!!!
    And to rub it in Thomassen (on my bench) gets a draw
    Mother of God!

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      98th minute
      Jesus, Joseph, Mary and the wee donkey…

  21. Better luck next year
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Got Lehne Olsen, Berisha and Ohi for GW14. Attack attack a no brainer? The three highest scoring players in the game at home plus one bonus game for Olsen.

  22. troux
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    This is apparently the bonus allocation for the Stabæk v Lillestrøm game.

    3p: Gjermund Åsen (LSK)

    2p: I. Mathew (LSK)

    1p: Oliver Edvardsen (Stabæk)

    I literally can't believe TLO gets no bonus points after getting an assist and scoring two goals including the winning goal.

    1. troux
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Ah, the commentator made a mistake, TLO does get max bonus!

  23. FPL Bielsa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    96 points from Attack Attack Attack chip and up from 1130 rank to 728

    Aasbak on bench with 14 so it’s never perfect !

    Just need to nail 2 Captains next week now, Lehne Olsen and one other I think.

    1. FPL Xylophone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I got 129 from same chip. Lehne, Bakenga and Ohi. Could have transfer ohi out for Waji or Friday but no complaints. Also on my bench coly with 6 and tangen with 7 could have add on the total tally. Nevertheless up to 1687 from 3650 is more than welcome!

    2. Onz
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      106(-8) and a big drop in OR for me.
      Playing RU next week to make it back I hope.

    3. FPL Bielsa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Mine was 134 (-8) total but I meant 96 from just the three attackers.

      Looks like anyone not playing 3 Caps had a rank drop this week. Usually in both FPL and Elitisarien my chips are underwhelming so was nice to finally nail one.

    4. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      142 pts (-4). 96 pts from the same front 3 on Attack, Attack!
      Moved up 5,000 places, which shows what a low base I was previously. Now P3,866.

      6x DGW players for GW14. Bakenga, Borchgrevink and Haugen injuries/suspensions to contend with.

  24. Nightrain_
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Morning lads,
    Any idea what to do with this ?

    Makani
    Ottesen / Desler / Thomassen (Borch / Vilsvik)
    Brynh / Mikkelsen / Velde / Normann SAN / (Stengel)
    Bakenga / Ohi / Lehne Olsen

    Looks like Bakenga to Berisha is obvious pick and two hits for Desler and Borch but to who ?

    Thanks

    1. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Cup games this weekend to get through first.

      Wouldn't even be thinking about any move just yet.

  25. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Haugen off injured for Molde and to quote their Twitter - 'it did not look good'

    Genuinely, I'd recommend leaving any proposed loves until as close to deadline as possible and be really wary of taking any hits.

    There may as well be two weeks between the first and second set of games.

    I know only Molde are playing out of Glimt/Rosenborg/Vålerenga, but the other teams will have training, potential exposure to covid and may squeeze in a friendly game. I'd just be as cautious as possible.

    28th July - 8th August is a ridiculously long gameweek.

    1. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Moves not loves! As affectionate as I can be, that's not what I meant

  26. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    And we also have cup games this weekend to watch out for, too.

    I don't know if there will be other cup games between the 28th and 8th so someone who knows more about this/lives in Norway is best-placed to advise.

  27. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Unfortunately Vålerenga find themselves 2-0 down with just 40 minutes to salvage their European hopes.

    This was always going to be a tough game for them after losing Dønnum and starting Jatta ahead of Udahl up front.

    This is such a paper thin squad - I can genuinely see them failing to finish top 4 this season, maybe even top 5.

    I've not seen anything linking Borchgrevink with another club but he's good enough to leave and they'd be lucky to escape this transfer window with him still part of the squad.

    Rosenborg and Glimt still 0-0 in their matches with just a few minutes before half-time. Surely poor results if they both don't win by a couple of goals in those games.

    Molde won their home time with Servette 3-0 thanks to goals from Brynhildsen (Ohi assist), Ohi (Eikrem's corner blocked and fell to Ohi at back post) and Eikrem (not too sure who got the assist here).

    Looks like Eikrem was instrumental throughout but again, Ohi involved in at least two of the goals - will be a huge loss when he leaves next year. Hopefully Molde can hold onto him for the rest of the season (I know there was talk he might leave earlier if his contract could be bought out).

  28. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Valur 0 - 1 Bodø/Glimt

    Saltnes with the goal - surprise, surprise!

    Gent 3 - 0 Vålerenga

    The wonderfully named Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe with his side's third just a few minutes before the hour.

    1. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Botheim with the assist in the form of a header into the box from which Saltnes scored

  29. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    3-0 to Glimt.

    Berg with a brace (one penalty)

  30. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Yonas Malede makes it 4-0 for Gent and that surely is that for Vålerenga's brief flirtation with Europe this season. What a torrid performance.

    Rosenborg go 1-0 up against FH Hafnarfjordur thanks to a goal from Carlo Holse.

    Shows the huge gulf in quality between themselves and Glimt as the Norwegian Champions have made light work of the reigning Icelandic Champions whereas Rosenborg have struggled to break down last year's runners up FH who finished 8pts behind Valur last season and currently in 7th place, are quite some way behind 1st place Valur who look likely to win their 4th league title in the last 5 seasons.