Egersund (home)
- Egersund have won four and drawn one of their first five league games, sitting 4th with 12 points and a goal difference of 10-3.
- Egersund IK have been commended for their organized, compact and structured defensive style and that is largely thanks to head coach Endre Eide who has instilled a hard-working and disciplined approach on his charges.
- The home side have not been prolific in any particular way with goals being spread across several players, but have been clinical in the league’s early exchanges.
- Captain Chris Sleveland anchors the side and poses a threat from set plays, while the likes of Oscar Kapskarmo and Nicolaj Tornvig have found the net in the early rounds.
Strømsgodset (away)
- Strømsgodset are 7th and have 10 points from their first five fixtures, a goal tally of 11-6, and are unbeaten in four.
- Strømsgodset have found the target 11 times in five league outings and there is no question that their success in those matches can be attributed to the presence of Melkersen.
- He is supported by experienced forwards Sebastian Pingel and Marcus Mehnert up top and Godset have been an attacking force so far this season.
- They are coming into this game after a four-game unbeaten run that includes a 5-4 win over Ranheim last time out and a 3-0 away victory at Åsane.
Key Players
- However, they have not had a forward with a real reputation for finishing comparable to Strømsgodset's Elias Hoff Melkersen, Godset’s creative hub and attacking linchpin.
- He is supported by experienced forwards Sebastian Pingel and Marcus Mehnert up top and Godset have been an attacking force so far this season.
- Captain Chris Sleveland anchors the side and poses a threat from set plays, while the likes of Oscar Kapskarmo and Nicolaj Tornvig have found the net in the early rounds.
Betting Insights
Strømsgodset are the narrow favorites in the match result market with Egersund only slightly behind and a draw at 3.84 is a decent play.
Prediction
- This should be a close and tight game with Godset the favorites, albeit only just, but we feel they have the attacking power and momentum to edge this one.
- A 2-1 result in their favour is the preferred score line, but we’re also giving the draw a chance in the result market and Egersund will be looking to frustrate Godset in a 1-1 draw.
- The hosts are a side who sit deep and take few risks as they defend their own net, rather they set up in a medium to low block and are usually disciplined in their defensive third before transitioning quickly with structure.
- Godset are a more proactive side and like to play at a faster tempo, stretching the play wide and moving the ball forward quickly.
- Expect an electric atmosphere at XL-BYGG Sørvest Arena this Sunday with Egersund’s best home performance in the OBOS-ligaen on the line against a Godset side who need a win to stay in touch with the promotion places.
- Cool and cloudy conditions should suit the type of game that is expected to be a classic block vs. break battle with both sides trying to dictate the pace, but there will be a lot of open play and both will score.
