Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the key clashes of the Norwegian league’s 10th round will take place this Sunday at Kristiansund Arena, where the local side Kristiansund hosts Rosenborg. I’m backing a bet on goals in this match at a very attractive odds.
Match preview
This season has been an up-and-down ride for Kristiansund: the team is clearly falling short of ambitions to even get into the European spots race. Three losses in their last four games, including a painful 2-4 away thrashing by Brann, highlight just how fragile their defensive lines are. What’s even more concerning is that the “Owls” have failed to score at home for three consecutive matches, disappointing their fans.
If Kristiansund are serious about rejoining the fight for the top four, it’s time to fix their home form, as this is where they are dropping far too many points. Despite showing plenty of fighting spirit, the team relies more on exploiting opponents’ mistakes than imposing their own game. Their current defensive record (18 goals conceded) is the second worst in the league, underlining the urgent need to patch up the backline.
“Trollongan” rightfully hold the title of the best defensive unit in this Eliteserien season. Just seven goals conceded in eleven rounds is a rock-solid argument that breaking them down is no easy feat. However, for all their defensive solidity, Rosenborg can’t boast a dazzling attack: only 13 goals scored in the same period is a modest tally for a team with title ambitions.
One persistent issue is their tendency to draw — four stalemates in their last eight games have slowed their push to catch leaders Viking. Away from home, Rosenborg prefer a pragmatic approach, minimizing risks and patiently waiting for opponents’ mistakes. Such tactics rarely lead to goal-fests and are unlikely to change against a weakened Kristiansund.
Probable lineups
- Kristiansund: A. Sæter — I. Hoffmann, M. Olsen, D. Ulvestad, M. Rakneberg — R. Alte, V. Igor, R. Korlu — D. Tufekcic, I. Ubandoma, S. Kilen
- Rosenborg: S. Tangvik — E. Reitan, L. Rakic, U. Jenssen, A. Nielsen Pereira — M. Zeidan, O. Selnes, I. Fossum — M. Broholm, N. Holm, O. Sæter
Match facts and head-to-head
- In five of Kristiansund’s last seven league matches, fewer than 2.5 goals were scored.
- Kristiansund have failed to score at home in three consecutive games.
- In eight of Rosenborg’s last ten matches, the total was under three goals.
Prediction
Given both teams’ stats and current playing styles, don’t expect a high-scoring shootout. Rosenborg will be disciplined in defense and look to capitalize on rare chances, while the hosts will play it safe, wary of another setback. I anticipate a tight, cautious contest with few chances and no more than two goals. Our bet for this match: “Total under 3.0” at odds of 1.73.
