KFUM Oslo
KFUM Oslo won 2-1 against Tromsø in the Norwegian Cup last time out and have enjoyed their pre-season.
IK Start
The hosts have the better form and have looked good in pre-season, but Start have a strong head-to-head record and have been relatively settled during winter.
Head-to-Head
IK Start have enjoyed the better of the recent H2H record, winning six of the last ten against KFUM Oslo since 2019 (D3, L1).
Key Players
- KFUM Oslo
- His team play a high-energy 3-4-3 system in which the wingbacks play a crucial role, providing width and forward thrust.
- Obilor Denzel Okeke is the main attacking outlet for the hosts, having led the team in goals in 2025 and continuing to be their primary finisher.
- Creative midfielders like Johannes Hummelvoll-Núñez, Mansour Sinyan and Bilal Njie can also play a big part, but their ability to press high and work the wings is crucial to their success.
- IK Start
- They set up in a 3-5-2 and prefer to keep it tight at the back and move the ball in a measured way.
- But their physicality and the pace of their forward players can unlock the transitions and their wingbacks will always be looking to counter-attack.
- Kristoffer Tønnessen provides solid experience in the centre of their defence and his knowledge of the top-flight will be vital in keeping KFUM’s swift counters at bay.
Betting Insights
There is enough of a case to tip KFUM Oslo to just nick this opening round clash, but the odds on a home win are 1.9 , while ‘Both Teams to Score - Yes’ is offered at 1.6 .
Prediction
- Both squads have goalscorers on paper and the clash of KFUM’s high-pressing, wide attack against Start’s narrow, structured defensive shape should see some holes exploited and plenty of counter-attacking chances.
- Start have won six of their last ten meetings with KFUM, losing once, but the momentum looks to be with the home side going into this encounter.
