Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Norwegian Eliteserien clash between Fredrikstad and KFUM Oslo, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
On Sunday, fifth-placed Fredrikstad will play host to a KFUM Oslo side that are sitting in sixth position in the Eliteserien.
Fredrikstad have won just one of their last seven league games, while the visitors have won two of their previous three games.
Match preview
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Having collected 27 points from 16 matches, Fredrikstad are sitting just one point adrift of the top four in their first top-flight campaign since 2011-12.
However, they recently lost the services of manager Mikkjal Thomassen, who left his position to take over the reins at Swedish side AIK.
Thomassen’s assistant Andreas Hagen has stepped up to assume interim charge and has seen his side take four points from his first two matches.
They recorded a narrow 1-0 win over HamKam, before they played out a 2-2 draw against Rosenborg following goals from Morten Bjorlo and Mai Traore.
That result may have extended their unbeaten home run to six league matches, but they may be frustrated by the fact they have drawn each of their last three Eliteserien games at the Fredrikstad Stadion.
Meanwhile, KFUM are sitting five points adrift of their opponents after winning five, drawing seven and losing four of their 16 league matches.
KFUM, who were promoted alongside Fredrikstad last term, have bounced back from a five-game winless league run to take seven points from their previous three matches.
They recorded consecutive away victories over Tromso and Molde, before they played out a 1-1 draw in their recent home meeting with leaders Bodo/Glimt.
Despite picking up a useful point, KFUM are still searching for their first home win of the Eliteserien season, so they may be looking forward to heading on their travels for Sunday’s fixture.
In contrast to their last home form, Johannes Moesgaard‘s side have enjoyed success on the road, having won five, drawn two and lost just one of their eight away league games this season.
Fredrikstad Norwegian Eliteserien form:
KFUM Oslo Norwegian Eliteserien form:
Team News
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Fredrikstad will be unable to call upon the services of Maxwell Woledzi, who is set to serve a one-match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.
With Woledzi unavailable for selection, Mads Nielsen could be presented with the chance to start in a back three alongside Sigurd Kvile and Brage Skaret.
Bjorlo will be looking to continue his impressive campaign, having scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season.
Meanwhile, the visitors are without Mathias Tonnessen due to a knee problem, while Johannes Nunez is unlikely to feature after missing last Saturday’s draw.
KFUM will also have to assess forward Moussa Njie, who was forced off in the early stages of the second half against Bodo/Glimt.
They can no longer call upon Petter Dahl after the 20-year-old completed a move to KV Mechelen earlier this month.
Fredrikstad possible starting lineup:
Fischer; Skaret, Kvile, Nielsen; Rafn, Metcalfe, Magnusson, Molde; Sorlokk, Bjorlo, Traore
KFUM Oslo possible starting lineup:
Odegaard; M Njie, A Aleesami, H Aleesami; Hoseth, Hestnes, Rasch, Haltvik, Svindland, Ndiaye
We say: Fredrikstad 1-2 KFUM Oslo
While they may have the league’s worst home record, KFUM are on of the division’s best performers on the road, and we think they will produce strong display to claim a third consecutive away victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.