Preview: Lillestrom vs. Aalesund - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts have now moved up to sixth in the league table, while the visitors are currently bottom of the standings after a dismal start to the campaign.

Match preview

Lillestrom finished fourth in the Eliteserien last season, just three points off the top three, and they look like they will be competing near the top end of the table once again, having collected 23 points in their opening 13 matches.

That points total means the Canaries are currently just six points behind second-placed Viking FK, with a game in hand at their disposal, but they are 15 points behind top-of-the-table Bodo/Glimt.

Simon Mesfin's side have got two games in hand on the league leaders, but they are still a considerable way off top spot, and they will have to go on a very good run if they are to have any chance of competing for the league title.

It is not completely out of the question, however, as Lillestrom have won their last two games, defeating Rosenborg 2-1 away from home before following that up with a 4-2 victory against Sandefjord on Sunday.

The Canaries were deserved winners against a struggling Sandefjord side, with Thomas Olsen and Akor Adams both scoring braces, and they are now tasked with making it two home wins on the bounce against another poor team.

Indeed, it is fair to say that Aalesund have been very disappointing so far this season, taking just seven points from their opening 14 games, which means they are already six points from safety.

AaFK are the lowest scorers in the division, having scored just nine goals, while they have also conceded the second-highest number of goals, three of which came in their last match.

Christian Johnsen's side were soundly beaten at home against Odd, failing to register a single shot on target during the first half, with the visitors ultimately emerging as 3-0 winners.

Aalesund will have to start improving soon if they are to stand any chance of avoiding the drop, but they have a very poor recent record at the Arasen Stadion, losing their last three matches at the ground without scoring a goal.

Lillestrom Norwegian Eliteserien form:

D

W

D

L

W

W

Aalesund Norwegian Eliteserien form:

L

L

L

W

L

L

Team News

Lillestrom will have to make do without centre-back Martin Roseth, as the 25-year-old still remains on the treatment table, having made just one appearance in the Eliteserien so far this season.

Elias Solberg is the Canaries' only other notable absentee, with the 19-year-old also missing through injury.

Otherwise, Mesfin has a fully-fit squad to choose from, but he is unlikely to make any changes to the side that ran out 4-2 winners against Sandefjord in the last match.

Aalesund also have some injury issues to contend with, as defender Jeppe Moe remains doubtful, having missed the last five games through injury, with Moses Ebiye also likely to miss out after being ruled out of the last four.

Ebiye could be a big miss for AaFK, as the Nigerian scored two goals in the last three games prior to his injury setback, and Bjorn Kristensen is poised to lead the line again, although the 21-year-old has failed to score in his past three outings.

Lillestrom possible starting lineup:

Hedenstad; Skjaervik, Gabrielsen, Dragsnes; Ranger, Hoff, Ibrahimaj, Edh; Olsen, Asen, Adams

Aalesund possible starting lineup:

Grytebust; Munksgaard, Fallman, Andersen, Kitolano; Barmen, Segberg, Karlsbakk; Atanga, Odemarksbakken, Kristensen

We say: Lillestrom 3-0 Aalesund

Having won their last two matches against better opposition, Lillestrom should have no trouble securing a comfortable victory against bottom-of-the-table Aalesund.

The visitors are yet to pick up a single point on the road so far this season, and we cannot see that poor record coming to an end against one of the Eliteserien's better sides.

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