Hosts on the brink of another setback: prediction for Start vs Rosenborg
The Norwegian Eliteserien clash between Start and Rosenborg is set for Saturday, July 18, at Sparebanken Sør Arena. The hosts currently sit rock-bottom in the Eliteserien table, trailing the safety line by five points, while the visitors are 12th and aiming to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Start: the league's worst defense dragging the team down
Start's return to the top flight has been nothing short of a struggle. In 13 rounds, Azar Karadas' squad has collected only seven points, with a single win, four draws, and eight defeats - and after the league's restart, they suffered a 1-2 loss to Brann.
The main issue remains their defensive frailty: 30 goals conceded is the worst record in the Eliteserien. However, at home, Start have looked considerably more confident: their only victory came here against Vålerenga, and in five home fixtures they've lost just once.
Karadas will be without Johan Meyer, Kristoffer Tønnessen, and Filip Lien. Marius Nordal's participation is also in doubt due to illness, so the hosts may once again opt for a five-at-the-back formation.
Rosenborg: managerial change already paying dividends
Rosenborg are showing signs of revival under Freyr Alexandersson. The new head coach made his debut with a commanding 3-0 win over Kristiansund, and before the break, the team drew 2-2 with title contenders Bodø/Glimt.
Despite the uptick in results, their away record remains poor: Rosenborg have picked up just one point from five road games this season. Still, against the league's bottom side, the visitors have a golden opportunity to break that streak - especially given their overwhelming dominance in head-to-head encounters.
Elias Sæter Slørdal and Aslak Fonn Witry are sidelined with injuries. Simen Nordli is recovering from a thigh problem, while Amin Chiakha, who found the net in the previous round, is likely to lead the line again.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Start have conceded 30 goals in 13 matches - the most in the Norwegian top flight.
- Rosenborg are unbeaten against Start in their last 18 official meetings: 14 wins and four draws.
- The visitors have won five of their last six away games in the league against Start.
Visitors' class should decide the outcome: prediction for Start vs Rosenborg
Start's home record gives them hope of putting up a fight, but the support from the stands alone won't be enough to make up for their ongoing defensive woes. Karadas' team concedes over two goals per game on average and will once again be under serious pressure.
Rosenborg have yet to win away from home this season, but Alexandersson's arrival has clearly injected fresh energy. The visitors have the stronger squad, head into the match after a convincing win, and have historically dominated this matchup.
