Saturday 19/07/2014, 19:00, Norway Tippeligaen, Round 16, Stromsgodset vs Valerenga

Stromsgodset vs Valerenga Preview

The lessons learned from the friendly games played in June didn't help Stromsgodset at all, with the team losing the first leg of the Europa League qualifier. They failed to take advantage of the fact that they played on a synthetic pitch that the Romanians were not used to and lost by 1-0, which makes them underdogs in their quest to advance to the next stage. Tonight they will lock horns with one of the best and most offensive Norwegian teams, as Valerenga comes visiting.

Stromsgodset vs Valerenga Odds

At Bet365

Stromsgodset 1.85, Draw 4.00, Brann 3.75

Stromsgodset vs Valerenga Tips

Valerenga had its fair share of difficult matches, despite the fact that in 2014 they didn't have to compete in European tournaments. The last month has been particularly intense, with three out of four games being played against top teams in Tippeligaen.

After the disheartening defeat away from home to Sogndal, Valerenga returned to its offensive ways and scored two goals in the next three games. Unfortunately for the team managed by Rekdal, this offensive outburst was not enough to compensate the shortcomings of an unreliable defense.

They played against Odd in less than two days and opponents won the cup match and scored a combined five goals. One week later, Rosenborg took the lead on the road and then doubled their advantage, only to see the hosts rallying in the second half of the match. The two teams split points and Valerenga remains within striking distance of the leading pack, but they need a similar performance against Stromsgodset.

With their European hopes almost shattered by the recent defeat, Stromsgodset need to focus at the task at hand, which is to win the domestic championship. They trail the leaders by six points and have just two ahead of Odd, so they need to push for an outright victory over Valerenga. Kovacs and Sorum are both older than 30 and age is taking their toll, as none of them can play at the same level for 90 minutes.

Key Facts

• Stromsgodset scored a single goal in their back-to-back victories and failed to put one in the net against Steaua in the Europa league qualifier.
• Despite mediocre results, Valerenga is on scoring streak and won the last head to head games while scoring a total of nine goals.

Stromsgodset vs Valerenga Prediction

Despite their recent struggles and clear inability to score goals, bookmakers side with Stromsgodset once again and the odds don't reflect the reality on the pitch. There is tremendous value in backing the visitors to win or draw at even odds with Bet365, but punters should act now, before the odds eventually drop.

Bet: Valerenga or Draw @ 2.00 with Bet365