Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Norwegian Eliteserien clash between Rosenborg and Kristiansund, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Two teams pushing to break into the top half of the Norwegian Eliteserien will meet on Sunday as Rosenborg hosts Kristiansund.
Both are heading into this match in poor form, and could technically drop into the relegation zone with a loss depending on other results.
Match preview
It has been six games in all competitions since Rosenborg last won a football match, and that is a run the team needs to bring to an end sooner than later if they want to change their fortunes in the league table.
The Troll Children have dropped to 10th in the table following their recent form, but they were part of a thrilling match on Monday against Tromso.
Despite Jesper Reitan-Sunde giving his team the advantage in the first minute of the game and Marius Broholm then adding to that Rosenborg were unable to take all three points.
The two-goal lead was something that Alfred Johansson will have expected his men to have seen that game out, but they were unable to achieve that as they lost 3-2.
Rosenborg have been stronger at home throughout this season so far, picking up two of their three victories in those games, and that should bring some confidence to the team.
The visitors might sit one place above their opponents in the league table, but given that it is only via goal difference there is very little room for error in this particular match.
Much like Rosenborg, Kristiansund have been out of form lately after failing to win in their previous six games across all competitions which is placing pressure on Amund Skiri.
Kristiansund let a lead slip twice in their most recent outing against Brann, and showcasing more concentration is something that will be needed moving forward.
It has been a mixed bag away from home for Skiri’s men, who have achieved a victory, one draw, and two defeats so far this season, with the need for more consistency being clear.
However, considering this is Kristiansund’s first season back in the top flight there are plenty of positives for fans to take from the first nine games, as sitting in midtable is a strong position to be in.
Rosenborg Norwegian Eliteserien form:
Kristiansund Norwegian Eliteserien form:
Team News
Rosenborg are expected to continue to be without Jonathan Augustinsson for this game and the foreseeable future due to a knee problem.
Noah Holm has also been unavailable due to fitness concerns in recent months, but the attacking qualities of Broholm and Reitan-Sunde should continue to cause problems.
The visitors are also dealing with an injury problem as Max Williamsen is expected to be unavailable for the remainder of the campaign due to an ACL problem.
However, Habib Gueye should continue to cause attacking issues for others while Sebastian Jarl is likely to find his place in the center of midfield.
Rosenborg possible starting lineup:
Tangvik; Reitan, Henriksen, Jenssen, Pereira; Tagseth, Selnaes, Nypan; Broholm, Saeter, Reitan-Sunde
Kristiansund possible starting lineup:
Lansing; Ulvestad, Isaksen, Rakneberg, Jarl; Bruseth, Willumsson, Alte; Gueye, Mikaelsson, Sivertsen
We say: Rosenborg 1-2 Kristiansund
Both teams are out of form heading into this match, and that should put some pressure on each of them heading into this game.
Kristiansund have been showcasing good attacking quality at times throughout this season, and that could be the difference-maker in this match.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.