Analysis of:
BK Tromsø – Øksil | The Battle for Northern Norway
Written by: Fredrik
Analysis Information
The match between BK Tromsø and Øksil is more than just a league match in the Mizuno League. It is a prestigious northern Norwegian derby where both table position, form curves and mental strength are put to the test.
Form and development – BK Tromsø
BK Tromsø has been one of the most stable teams of the season. With Tauno Lipp as new head coach, the team has gained a clear structure, especially in serve pressure and transition play. The Tromsø team is in 2nd place with 16 points, only two points behind league leader Førde, and has also secured its third straight cup final – a clear sign of continuity and quality.
The return of Petter Østvik at the end of October has given the team extra breadth and experience in attacking play. Tromsø appears to be a team that is comfortable in even sets and has shown the ability to decide matches even when the margins are small.
Last three matches:
- NTNUI – BK Tromsø 1–3
- BK Tromsø – Koll 3–2
- Randaberg – BK Tromsø 1–3
Form and development – Axe
Øksil have had a more uneven season. After a tough start, the team has shown clear progress before Christmas, with two strong home wins that have lifted them to 7th place with 6 points. Playoffs are still within reach, but the margins are small, and away games like this one will be crucial.
The return of Mathias Loftsnes has given Øksil more stability in both reception and attack, but the team has still struggled in matches where the tempo is high and the opposition manages to keep the pressure on for long.
Last three matches:
- Axe – OSI 3–0
- Øksil – Randaberg 3–0
- TIF Viking – Öksil 3–0
Strength ratio between the teams
| BK Tromsø | >/< | Axe |
| The wingers | – | The wingers |
| The midfielders | > | The midfielders |
| Diagonal player | – | Diagonal player |
| Trailer | > | Trailer |
| Libero | > | Libero |
| 3 | SUM | 0 |
Battle scene and key factors
In Tromsøhallen we can expect high intensity from the first ball. BK Tromsø will probably try to put Øksil under pressure early through aggressive serves and quick transitions in the middle attack. Øksil, on the other hand, must manage to keep the reception stable and avoid long periods of point drought, which has been a problem against the top teams.
The crowd factor can also be decisive. Tromsøhallen is known for creating pressure that gives the home team extra energy in even situations.
Conclusion
Everything indicates that BK Tromsø enters this match as favorites, both based on form, squad size and experience from big matches. Øksil has shown that they can bite back, but will have to deliver close to their maximum level over several sets to keep up. Therefore, I play BK Tromsø -1.5 handicap at 1.56.
Volleyball at 16:00: BK Tromsø – Øksil: BK Tromsø -1.5 handicap (1.56)
