Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
In round 12 of the Norwegian Eliteserien, Sarpsborg 08 will host Haugesund on Sunday, July 6, at 14:30 Central European Time. Here’s our preview and prediction for the match.
Sarpsborg 08 – Haugesund: Key stats and head-to-head
- Sarpsborg 08 are unbeaten in four consecutive matches: two wins and two draws.
- In their last ten games, the team has suffered only one defeat.
- Sarpsborg 08 have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches.
- Haugesund have yet to win a single match this season: one draw and eleven losses.
- Haugesund have the weakest attack in the Eliteserien — just four goals scored.
- They also have the worst defense in the Norwegian league — 31 goals conceded.
- Sarpsborg 08 lose without scoring in only 6% of matches, while Haugesund do so in 40%.
- The last head-to-head between these teams ended in a 2-2 draw. Haugesund’s last win against Sarpsborg 08 was three years ago; since then, only Sarpsborg 08 have claimed victory in this fixture.
Sarpsborg 08 – Haugesund: Match preview
Sarpsborg 08 are sitting mid-table with 17 points from 11 rounds, currently in seventh place. They are five points behind the fourth spot, which grants a place in European competitions. Riding a solid four-match unbeaten streak and a 2-1 win in their last game, Sarpsborg 08 remain in contention. They are also six points behind third place but have two games in hand, so their European hopes are still alive.
Haugesund are at the bottom of the table, propping up the Eliteserien. After 12 rounds, they have managed just two points and trail the 14th spot by nine points. In their last five matches, Haugesund haven’t scored a single goal. With the league’s weakest attack (four goals) and worst defense (31 conceded), the team is at serious risk of relegation from Norway’s top flight.
Probable lineups
- Sarpsborg 08: Ndiaye; Wichne, Koch, Tebo, Jeazhe; Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Sanyang, Berget, Orjasæter; Karlsbakk
- Haugesund: Wichne; Hope, Dia, Fischer, Krosnell; Bizosa, Leite, Konradsen; Nyhammer, Seone, Eskesen
Prediction
Sarpsborg 08 face the league’s weakest team, and I believe the hosts have what it takes to secure a home win. My pick: Sarpsborg 08 over 2.0 individual goals at odds of 1.6.
