Preview: Stromsgodset vs. Sarpsborg 08 - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are currently eighth in the table, boasting 17 points from their opening 12 matches of the season, while Sarpsborg are fifth on 21 points, three points behind third-placed Brann in the race for Europe.

Match preview

Stromsgodset have been in excellent form since their 2-1 loss to FK Haugesund at the start of June, winning their last three in the league against Valerenga Fotball, Bodo/Glimt and Stabaek Football.

Jorgen Isnes's side suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Molde in the fourth round of the NM Cupen on June 28 but managed to get back on track last time out by recording a 1-0 win over Stabaek in the league.

A record of five wins, two draws and five defeats from 12 matches has seen Stromsgodset pick up 17 points this season, which has left them in eighth position in the table, four points behind their opponents here.

Godset finished 12th in the Eliteserien last season, and they have largely struggled to make an impression in the top flight since claiming fourth in 2017.

Isnes's team have had mixed results at home this season, winning three and losing two of their five matches to pick up nine points, while Sarpsborg have been strong on their travels, collecting 11 points from six matches.

The visitors will also enter this match in strong form, winning each of their last three games in all competitions, including their last two in the league against Rosenborg and Sandefjord.

Sarpsborg boast a record of six wins, three draws and three defeats from 12 matches this season to collect 21 points, which has left them in fifth position in the table.

Stefan Billborn's side are only three points behind third-placed Brann, but they are 11 from the leaders Bodo/Glimt, who have been comfortably the best side in the division thus far this term.

Sarpsborg finished third in the Eliteserien in 2017 but have found it difficult to make a serious impression since, claiming eighth three times and 12th twice in their last five top-flight campaigns.

Stromsgodset Norwegian Eliteserien form:

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Sarpsborg 08 Norwegian Eliteserien form:

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Team News

Stromsgodset will be without the services of Kreshnik Krasniqi, who was sent off after appearing as a second-half substitute in the narrow win over Stabaek last time out.

The home side are otherwise in strong shape, though, and it would not be a surprise to see head coach Isnes keep faith with the same XI that took to the field at Nadderud Stadion.

Jonatan Braut Brunes has found the back of the net on three occasions in the league this season and is again expected to lead the line with support from Tobias Gulliksen and Marcus Mehnert.

Sarpsborg, meanwhile, will again be without the services of Magnar Odegaard due to a long-term knee injury, but the visitors could otherwise have a full squad.

Head coach Billborn is unlikely to find a reason to make changes to the side that started the thumping 6-1 victory over Sandefjord last time out.

Kristian Opseth has netted five times in the league this season, including a brace last time out, and the 33-year-old is set to continue in the final third of the field here.

Stromsgodset possible starting lineup:

Myhra; Leifsson, Valsvik, Dahl; Vilsvik, Stengel, Danso, Stenevik; Meinert, Brunes, Gulliksen

Sarpsborg 08 possible starting lineup:

Kristiansen; Wichne, Utvik, Ngouali, Soltvedt; Andersen, Torp; Baah, Lundqvist, Maigaard; Opseth

We say: Stromsgodset 1-1 Sarpsborg 08

This has all of the makings of a very interesting match, as both sides will enter the contest in a strong form. A case can be made for both teams to emerge victorious on Sunday afternoon, but we just have a feeling that a tight match will end with the spoils being shared, which would not be the worst result for either.

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