Sunday 03/08/2014, 18:00, Norway Tippeligaen, Round 18, Sarpsborg vs Haugesund
Sarpsborg vs Haugesund Preview
Haugesund suffered a shocking defeat in the second leg of Europa League qualifiers and their victory on the road was rendered useless. Allowing three unanswered goals against Sarajevo crushed their hopes of playing in a European competition this Autumn. On the bright side, they returned to their winning ways just a few days later and scored five goals in front of their fans to win against Start.
Sarpsborg vs Haugesund Odds
At Bet365
Sarpsborg 2.20, Draw 3.50, Haugesund 3.10
Sarpsborg vs Haugesund Tips
Haugesund's problems are far from over, as the team is still struggling to a couple of points above the relegation area. There are enough rounds to be played and with Aalesund coming strongly from behind, there is no time to waste. One of the reasons for why the team struggles in the bottom of the standings has to do with their performance on the road, with Haugesund winning just once in nine games.
While they are struggling to avoid relegation, the visitors have a potent offensive, with Gytkjaer being their most prolific scorer, followed by Sema. They have scored a combined 15 goals together and are expected to play tonight as well, in an attempt of replicating the recent performance.
The visitors will run into an equally offensive formation, as Sarpsborg's strategy seems to be to score one more goal than the opponents. Olanare was the best striker, but he was traded to China, which leaves defender Kronberg as the top scorer with four goals.
Under these circumstances, it doesn't make much sense for the hosts to use three strikers, but manager Deane is hard pressed to keep the goal production high. Castro came in as a replacement for Olanare and he's expected to join youngsters Feldballe and Rahhaoi upfront, with the latter being just 16 years old.
Key Facts
- The last time these two teams met, Haugesund won by 4-0 at home but back then they had home pitch advantage, while on the road they won just once in six games.
- Sarpsborg hasn't lost in the last 5 games and scored 12 goals over the span, including 4 in the recent win
Sarpsborg vs Haugesund Prediction
Home pitch advantage might prove decisive tonight with the hosts being highly motivated to maintain their position in the first half of the standings. The visitors went through a lot recently and played a lot of games, which obviously put some pressure on their shoulders. Bet365 offers generous odds of 2.20 for Sarpsborg to prevail, with the high-value being the consequence of Haugesund's recent 5-1 triumph.
Bet: Sarpsborg @ 2.20 with Bet365
