Strømsgodset (home)
- Strømsgodset are likely to benefit from a home crowd advantage when the matchup at Marienlyst Stadion kicks off.
- Strømsgodset IF have won two, tied three and lost two of their seven pre-season friendlies this year, suggesting an open game on Sunday.
- Strømsgodset IF and Stabaek play the opening game of their 1. Division 2026 campaign on Sunday with both clubs targeting promotion to OBOS-ligaen.
- Magne Hoset, who took charge after the club's relegation, has a pragmatic and organised approach to the game.
- He will attempt to build a platform with his side structured in a narrow 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 and a solid base for the game, then let the talent do the talking.
Stabæk (away)
- Stabaek are going in the opposite direction to their hosts, with ambitious Kjell André Thu at the helm of a team intent on playing attacking soccer with a high tempo.
- The team will be very wide, playing at a good tempo and looking to get into the offensive third to create chances, while their pace and mobility will be utilised to good effect in transition.
Head-to-Head
Strømsgodset have won three of the last four meetings between the clubs, winning 2-1 in September 2023 and 4-1 in a friendly in February 2025.
Key Players
- Strømsgodset
- Marcus Mehnert, who scored twice in that game, is their focal point up front and looks to be playing with confidence.
- Elias Hoff Melkersen is their creative hub, providing assists in pre-season and making things happen in the attacking third when he is on the ball.
- Stabaek
- Stabaek have their own exciting young talent in Brage Tobiassen, who looks like a star in the making.
- He scored in their final friendly win over Moss and Bossman Debra can bring pace and unpredictability off the bench, while William Wendt is an intelligent midfielder that dictates tempo.
Betting Insights
- As Stabæk play more attacking soccer and Strømsgodset are structured to be compact and solid, we’re expecting an end-to-end clash on Sunday with both teams to score - yes to be the safest bet.
- Take Strømsgodset to win at the odds-on quote of 2.09, over 2.5 goals at 1.45 and both teams to score - yes at 1.44.
Prediction
Strømsgodset are fancied to eke out a win in what should be an entertaining game that sets the tone for their respective promotion chases.
