Most of Europe has finished for the 2016/17 season but the Eliteserian season is well underway. After 14 matches it is clear to see which teams will be fighting for the title and which side will be battling relegation. One of the teams fighting for the title is Rosenborg and they currently sit top of the table with a two-point lead over Brann in second. Kristiansund are struggling at the other end of the table as they sit 13^th with just one point separating them from the drop zone.

STATS

• Kristiansund haven’t played too badly in recent weeks and with two wins in their last five games, they have started to move up the table. They’re not struggling in front of goal as they have scored in all five of those matches. A resounding 4-1 over Stabæk in their last fixture saw them close the gap on the teams above.
• Rosenborg have struggled in recent weeks even though they are top of the league. They’ve only won two of their last five games and have seen the teams behind rapidly catch up with them after their electric start. However, they eased past Sogndal in their last match as they won 3-0.
• Kristiansund have had Benjamin Stokke to rely on in front of goal so far this season. He’s scored six goals in the league and is keeping them outside the relegation zone.
• Another player with six goals is Milan Jevtovic, who is Rosenborg’s top scorer in the league this season. They have been better defensively than offensively so they’ll be hoping for more goals from the front man.

HEAD TO HEAD

As it’s the hosts’ first season in Norway’s top flight, there haven’t been too many match-ups between the two sides. In the four meetings, Kristiansund are yet to win. The last two ended with comfortable Rosenborg wins while the other two games ended in draws. The last game, which was a friendly in 2016, was a 10-goal thriller where Rosenborg came out 7-3 winners.

KRISTIANSUND NEWS

It would send out a massive statement to the rest of the league is Kristiansund could pick up three points against the league leaders. And although it’s a long shot, with a fully fit squad and without any absences for the game, they’ve got an increased chance of winning this one. A win could see them go as high as 9^th in the table which would put breathing room between them and the bottom three.

Latest matches: Kristiansund BK

25.06.2017	Elit	Stabaek Fotball	Kristiansund BK	1:4	W
17.06.2017	Elit	Kristiansund BK	Aalesunds FK	1:1	D
04.06.2017	Elit	Viking FK	Kristiansund BK	2:1	L
31.05.2017	NM C	Ranheim IL	Kristiansund BK	0:2	W
28.05.2017	Elit	Kristiansund BK	Sogndal IL	1:1	D

ROSENBORG NEWS

Rosenborg need to add their two wins in the last three games and pick up another win away at Kristiansund. A win could see them extend their lead at the top to five points but a loss or a draw could see them drop off the top of the table. Magnus Stamneströ misses out for the visitors with a knee injury but is expected to return soon.

Latest matches: Rosenborg BK

25.06.2017	Elit	Rosenborg BK	Sogndal IL	3:0	W
18.06.2017	Elit	Haugesund FK	Rosenborg BK	1:0	L
04.06.2017	Elit	Rosenborg BK	Stromsgodset	3:1	W
31.05.2017	NM C	Levanger	Rosenborg BK	2:4	W
28.05.2017	Elit	Valerenga IF	Rosenborg BK	1:1	D

SUMMARY

There’s no doubt that Rosenborg head into the match as big favourites but they are against the great home support of Kristiansund. The visitors have a stronger team on paper and have started to rekindle the good form that put them top of the table however the hosts have put together a few decent results themselves. Both teams should score in this one but Rosenborg will go onto the win the game.