Saturday 26/07/2014, 16:30, Norway Tippeligaen, Round 17, Aalesund vs Lillestrom

Aalesund vs Lillestrom Preview

After an 11 day break, Aalesund has to play consecutive games in less than a week and the fact that they will be facing Lillestrom at home, doesn't help either. The team lost three of the last four matches, including one against their current opponents, in a confrontation that caused their elimination from the Norwegian cup. They will be seeking to avenge that defeat and accumulate three vital points in the process, as they are on the verge of slipping back into the relegation area.

Aalesund vs Lillestrom Odds

At Bet365

Aalesund 2.25, Draw 3.40, Lillestrom 3.10

Aalesund vs Lillestrom Tips

Aalesund managed to score twice in the last game for the first time in almost 2 months, but unfortunately for them this achievement meant nothing. By the time their strikers woke up, Sarpsborg was already three goals up and there was nothing that the visitors could do to tip the scales in their favor.

A similar offensive performance against Lillestrom would help a lot, since the visitors are also struggling to score goals lately. After losing to Start at the beginning of the month, the team shifted into a more aggressive gear, but what resulted was a pair of scoreless draws.

Earning two points against Sarpsborg and Viking is not exactly be worst-case scenario, but doesn't help them in their quest for the Europa League berth. Winning on the road at Aalesund would allow the visitors to close the gap separating them from the teams on the podium, especially now when they play amongst each other.

The hosts are hard pressed to find a functional solution up front, with James and Grytten being quite young and inexperienced, while veteran striker Aaroy is 37 years old. They scored a combined five goals this season which is disappointing to say the least, but tonight the first two are expected to feature in the starting formation.

Key Facts

• Aalesund has no player among the first 40 most prolific scorers in Tippeligaen, with the most successful one being a midfielder.
• In ten head to head games, with Aalesund as hosts, there was no draw and the visitors won just three times

Aalesund vs Lillestrom Prediction

Home pitch advantage used to be huge in the series, but right now Aalesund looks vulnerable and with very few options up front. This is the kind of game that is unlikely to offer too many goals and it would come as no surprise if the first draw would be recorded. Since value is definitely with the visiting team, the best wager is Lillestrom Draw no Bet at odds of 2.20 with Bet365.

Bet: Lillestrom Draw no Bet @ 2.20 with Bet365