Valerenga IF
vs
Haugesund FK
Kick-off
17:00 GMT
12 October 2017
After the second international break of the 2017/18 season concluded in dramatic style, it is back to business as football resumes across the continent. One of the leagues to make its return is the Eliteserien in Norway and in the first match sees Valerenga host Haugesund as both sides have a game-in-hand on every other team in the league. The hosts are 12th but can go 10th with a win while their opponents are well-placed in 5th, they won’t move up the table even if they pick up all three points.
The fixtures between these two sides have been quite equal in recent seasons and in the last five meetings, both sides have won twice each with a draw making up the other result. The last one back in April was a seven-goal thriller as Frederik Gytkjær scored a 90th-minute winner to secure the victory for Haugesund as it looked destined to end as a draw.
It is important for their chance of staying in the top flight that Valerenga don’t lose this game. Even just a point would be good enough against one of the division’s strongest outfits. Daniel Bernsten is out after picking up too many yellow cards but that shouldn’t affect their chances too much.
Latest matches: Valerenga IF
30.09.2017 | Elit | Stabaek Fotball | Valerenga IF | 4:2 | L |
24.09.2017 | Elit | Valerenga IF | SK Brann | 2:1 | W |
20.09.2017 | NM C | Valerenga IF | Sarpsborg | 0:3 | L |
17.09.2017 | Elit | Rosenborg BK | Valerenga IF | 3:0 | L |
10.09.2017 | Elit | Valerenga IF | Sarpsborg | 1:2 | L |
Anything other than a win for Haugesund in this match won’t be enough as they have started to slip away from the leading pack. They can go within a point of fourth place with three points and with no injuries or suspensions, they have a great chance of doing so. Latest matches: Haugesund FK
01.10.2017
Elit
Odds BK
Haugesund FK
1:0
L
23.09.2017
Elit
Haugesund FK
Viking FK
2:1
W
17.09.2017
Elit
Sogndal IL
Haugesund FK
0:1
W
10.09.2017
Elit
Haugesund FK
Lillestrom SK
1:1
D
20.08.2017
Elit
Rosenborg BK
Haugesund FK
0:1
W
Despite Valerenga playing at home, they will up against it against Haugesund in this one and the visitors are definitely the favourites and are expected to pile even more misery on the hosts. Their superior squad should be plenty enough to see them come away from this fixture with another three points. It could end up being quite comfortable for them if Valerenga get a slow start.
12 October 2017 - 17:00 GMT
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