Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Norwegian Eliteserien clash between FK Haugesund and Sarpsborg 08, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
FK Haugesund and Sarpsborg 08 square off on Sunday in what may already turn out to be a crucial relegation encounter in the Eliteserien.
These two teams sit in 13th and 15th place respectively, albeit with at least one game in hand on the teams directly above them in the standings.
Match preview
Having finished in 12th spot last season, Haugesund were hoping to at least make a bid for the mid-table positions to cement their place in the top flight.
Although Sancheev Manoharan‘s side are only sitting outside of the relegation zone on goal difference, their campaign has been far more respectable than it initially seems.
The Seagulls are only three points adrift of seventh position with a game in hand, while they have collected seven points from their last five outings.
Scoring goals has been an issue, with just 10 coming in 11 fixtures, but they have also not conceded more than twice in a game for seven matches.
Haugesund are now attempting to record a third consecutive home victory having defeated Kristiansund and Sandefjord on familiar territory.
Meanwhile, Sarpsborg make the trip to the Haugesund Stadion having lost their way over the last six fixtures, being beaten on five occasions.
Christian Michelsen‘s team have scored in each of those matches, yet they have incredibly conceded on 21 occasions.
Sarpsborg now possess the worst defensive record in the division by four goals, heaping pressure on Michelsen to find a solution in the short term at the very least.
On a positive note, a 4-2 success at Molde remains relatively fresh in the memory, while they only suffered defeat to leaders Bodo/Glimt on June 28 by conceding a last-gasp own goal.
FK Haugesund Norwegian Eliteserien form:
Sarpsborg 08 Norwegian Eliteserien form:
Team News
Over a month has passed since Haugesund were involved in league action, meaning that there is uncertainty over how they may line up for this contest.
Midfielder Bruno Leite suffered an injury during the 1-0 defeat to Bodo/Glimt at the start of June, but he will start should he have overcome that issue.
Meanwhile, Stefan Johansen and Henrik Meister each sustained injuries during the closing stages of the loss to Bodo/Glimt last week.
Pawel Chrupalla and Rafik Zekhnini were introduced on that occasion and could start here, unless 15-year-old midfielder Mathias Svenningsen-Gronn is handed a surprise start.
Martin Hoel Andersen is an alternative down the centre of the attack if Meister does not feature in the squad.
FK Haugesund possible starting lineup:
Selvik; Niyukuri, Fredriksen, Baertelsen, Krusnell; Eskesen, Leite; Sauer, Liseth, Tounekti; Diarra
Sarpsborg 08 possible starting lineup:
Ilic; Christiansen, Casas, Uchenna, Hiim; Halvorsen, Sher; Wichne, Andersen, Orjasaeter; Meister
We say: FK Haugesund 1-2 Sarpsborg 08
Although the consensus is that Haugesund’s superior defensive record should stand them in good stead here, Sarpsborg have been somewhat unpredictable this campaign. With that in mind, we are backing the visitors to edge this contest by the odd goal in three.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.