Preview: Stromsgodset vs. Rosenborg - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors ended a winless run of four games in the Norwegian Eliteserien by defeating high-flying Tromso IL last time out.

Match preview

Stromsgodset, on the other hand, had won four successive matches ahead of their trip to Bergen to face Brann last weekend, but they were defeated 1-0 by the reigning Norwegian Cup champions.

Nevertheless, Jorgen Isnes's side remain in eighth position, which would represent an improvement on each of their last five campaigns after fighting against relegation for large parts of last season.

Godset have impressively remained in Norway's top flight since last being promoted in 2006, going on to win the club's second ever title in 2013, as well as finishing as runners-up in 2012 and 2015.

With only nine points separating them from Viking FK in second spot, there is no reason why they can not aspire to finish in that position once again, but winning the title is an absolute long shot given that runaway leaders Bodo/Glimt are another nine points ahead of the rest of the field.

Rosenborg, of course, have more pedigree than any other team in the country with a record 26 titles throughout their history, but it is five years and counting since their last triumph.

Troillongan appear to be on course for their worst season for several years, having last finished outside of the top five positions when their remarkable run of 13 consecutive titles came to an end when finishing seventh in 2005.

Their interim head coach Svein Maalen would have been impressed by his side's performance when beating Tromso 2-1 last time out, though, even if they did benefit from El Hadji Malick Diouf's late dismissal. Ulrik Yttergard Jenssen ensured his side made their numerical advantage count by snatching all three points in the first minute of injury-time.

Rosenborg jumped up from 13th to 10th in the table as a result of that surprise victory, but with only five points separating them from the relegation zone, they can not afford to breathe easily just yet.

Stromsgodset Norwegian Eliteserien form:

L

W

W

W

W

L

Rosenborg Norwegian Eliteserien form:

W

D

L

L

L

W

Team News

Stromsgodset could remain without Jostein Ekeland until mid-August, but otherwise Isnes appears to be in the enviable position of having a clean bill of health to select from.

Having been on such a strong run prior to their defeat last weekend, Isnes is unlikely to make many changes for this clash, with Kreshnik Krasniqi set to retain his place in midfield after returning from suspension against Brann.

Rosenborg will be without Markus Henriksen for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, while Isak Thorvaldsson (head) and Jonathan Augustinsson (knee) are unlikely to recover from their respective issues in time to be fit for Sunday.

Maalen may see no reason to change a winning team after finally claiming a victory last time out, meaning veteran midfielder Per Ciljan Skjelbred may be used from the bench once more.

Stromsgodset possible starting lineup:

Myhra; Leifsson, Valsvik, Dahl; Stenevik, Therkelsen, Krasniqi, Grogaard; Mehnert, Brunes, Enersen

Rosenborg possible starting lineup:

Hansen; Cornic, Reitan, Jenssen, Pereira; Skarsem, Vaananen, Nypan; Holse, Saeter, Nelson

We say: Stromsgodset 1-0 Rosenborg

Stromsgodset would have been disappointed to see their impressive winning streak come to an end last time out, but there is no shame in losing to Brann based on current form.

Rosenborg returned to winning ways but they received an element of good fortune with their opponents being reduced to 10-men, and we are yet to be convinced that they have turned a corner. We can envisage a narrow home win at Marienlyst Stadion on Sunday.

Previews by email