Eliteserien, in the Norwegian top league the big match between Bodo/Glimt and Molde stands out: news and predictions.
We are not that far away from the halfway mark in Eliteserien, Norway’s top league, one of the few to be in full swing in Europe. All eyes are on Bodo/Glimt, who give the impression that they have already mortgaged the title. Kjetil Knudsen’s yellow-and-whites are in fact off to a flying start after last season’s troublesome season which saw them cede the sceptre of Norwegian champions to rivals Molde.
The highlight of matchday 12 is the match between these two teams, although it cannot be considered a direct clash. Yes, because defending champions Molde are currently a long way from the top of the table, twelve points behind their next opponents. Erling Moe’s men are paying for their bad start to the season: in the last few matches they have recovered several positions, but it might not be enough to get back into the title race, which at the moment seems to be closed. For Bodo/Glimt this match represents a great opportunity to oust one of the most credible direct competitors once and for all. Pellegrino and his teammates must also redeem the defeat they suffered a week ago on the Stromsgodset pitch (2-0), which gave them their first disappointment of the season: we therefore hypothesise a clear home victory. Bodo could also extend their lead over second-placed Tromso, who have just been beaten 3-2 in the national cup round, with a tricky away game against Lillestrom.
Eliteserien, predictions for other matches
Another interesting match is the one featuring Rosenborg, the noble decadence of Norwegian football, who are floundering in the lower reaches of the table. They are not involved in the relegation zone but have only picked up 13 points in 12 matches.
Brann players exult after a goal
They should turn things around against the Eliteserien’s bottom-of-the-table side, Aalesund, who are last with just four points (one win, one draw and nine defeats), but the hosts’ attack is likely to come unstuck against a defence that is anything but solid. A potentially spectacular match between Haugesund and Odd, two teams that sail in mid-table and are separated by four points. Brann, who were overtaken by Tromso in second place a week ago after falling at home to Viking, are likely to return to winning ways after two rounds of games: newly promoted HamKam have yet to win or draw away from home. Sarpsborg, who take on third-last-placed Sandefjord on nine points, will also come out on top.
Eliteserien, possible winners
- Lillestrom or draw (in Lillestrom-Tromso, 5pm)
- Brann (in Brann-HamKam, 5pm)
- Sarpsborg (in Sarpsborg-Sandefjord, 17:00)
- Bodo/Glimt (in Bodo/Glimt-Molde, 19:15)
