Saturday 12/07/2014, 19:00, Norway Tippeligaen, Round 15, Lillestrom vs Sarpsborg

Lillestrom vs Sarpsborg Preview

There were plenty of goals scored in those matches featuring Lillestrom the season and on most occasions the opponents found themselves at the receiving end. Lillestrom's inability to defend properly against the best teams in Tippeligaen caused them to slip in the standings, but they are still within striking distance of the leading pack. Granted it is unlikely for them to tie the leader, they have a decent chance at playing in a European cup next season and they can't afford to drop points against Sarpsborg.

Lillestrom vs Sarpsborg Odds

At Netbet

Lillestrom 1.75, Draw 3.70, Sarpsborg 4.40

Lillestrom vs Sarpsborg Tips

At least three goals were scored in Lillestrom's last eight games and they won 6 of those games, including 3 in the Norwegian cup. They had no problem scoring against some of the best teams in the domestic league and the most impressive victory was the 3-0 thrashing of Stromsgodset, the team trailing Molde by three points at the moment.

On the other hand, the last two games played on the road in the first division ended with consecutive defeats, as Lillestrom succumbed to Start and Rosenborg while allowing three goals on both occasions. The good news regarding this fixture is that even if they stick to their preferred strategy, the hosts are unlikely to run into serious opposition, as Sarpsborg seems toothless on the road.

They were quite fortunate to play the last two games in front of their fans and as a result consolidated their position outside the relegation area. Sarpsborg also advanced to the next round of the Norwegian cup after defeating Start by 3-2 but it was their opponents who dominated the game.

Exactly one month ago, before the Tippeligaen took a two week break, Sarpsborg lost by four goals to none against relegation threatened Haugesund. The humiliating victory proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defensive problems are far from being fixed. The visitors are fully aware of Lillestrom's offensive prowess and as a result will be playing cautiously with a single striker, Nigerian Olanare.

Key Facts

• Lillestrom lost against teams that exercising constant pressure on their backline, while winning all three points against defensive minded formations.
• The head to head record is not encouraging for the hosts, who won just once in five games.

Lillestrom vs Sarpsborg Prediction

Lillestrom is the team in better form and despite their occasional hiccups against top Norwegian teams, they are a formidable opponent. Home pitch advantage was huge for them this season and the best chance of closing the gap separating them from the leader is to win tonight. Sarpsborg shouldn't cause them many problems with a single striker, therefore it is safe enough to back the hosts at full stakes even though the odds sit at 1.75.

Bet: Lillestrom @ 1.75 with Netbet