FK Haugesund – Valerenga 24-08-2025

Two clubs with very different starting points meet when Haugesund hosts Vålerenga. FKH is struggling, plagued by injuries, unrest within the club and a miserable home record that shows a team in deep crisis. Vålerenga, on the other hand, has shown instability, but is in the process of rebuilding itself with several good results after the summer break. For both teams, this match is about much more than three points – it is a match that could define the path forward into the autumn season.

Fk Haugesund – Quickly back down to earth?

One could say that this year's season is self-inflicted. Incompetent people over a long period of time, in both administration and the boardroom, have led to this year's results being a foretold crisis. But at the same time, they have been unfortunate. Or are the mishaps a result of the situation they are in?

Because not only was the crew too bad, but they have also suffered many undeserved injuries, to important players. But of course; when you put yourself in a situation where every match is a cup final, and you don't have the opportunity to rest the best, then it is perhaps not so strange that the injuries come. In addition, the intensity of the training has probably increased significantly under Korkeakunnas, compared to Sanchev. So it is a bit self-inflicted.

But regardless of whose fault it is; new before this round is that both Bizoza and Vatland Karlsen are out. The former has not been a revelation technically, but he has an energy that this team has lacked this year. His presence and commitment in midfield will be missed now that the others are primarily youngsters who are out there to learn. And as for Vatland Karlsen, he was also a youngster who was supposed to come in to learn, but who quickly skated right into the hearts of the home fans. He led the way with enormous commitment in the victory against Sarpsborg, and it was he who scored the important 1-0 goal when the game was on the line. He has become a crowd favorite in record time, and he will be missed.

In addition to these two, Espejord, Nyhammer, Diarra, Bondhus, Solheim and Samuelsen are still out. This means that Seone will probably start at the top, if Vatland Karlsen is not ready. While newcomers Hamalainen and Hannola continue at left back and right wing, respectively, for Bondhus and Nyhammer. But what does Fk Haugesund do centrally in the middle?

The two who were supposed to carry the team, along with Leite, have left. Konradsen to Ranheim and Eskesen to Dundee Utd. And with Bizoza out, there are few who can step in and strengthen that part of the team. Captain Leite is still there, but we have seen that he often runs out when the clock strikes 70 minutes. And the youngster Almar Grindhaug has been thrown to the wolves, and delivered brilliantly. Considering his age. But he is overly fearless, and very inexperienced. He runs until he dives, and is good with the ball, but some of the ball losses he had against Sarpsborg were ugly. And he would have punished himself against better teams.

Our tip is that Koskela stays on the bench after Kukleci's impressive game last time, and that Hannola goes in as an inside runner, and that Rohd comes in on the right. And that Seone goes in at the top. Then we'll see if Hope gets to continue at right back, or if Niyukuri gets the trust. In our eyes, the latter is clearly the best, but perhaps the worst physique in the Eliteserien, but he's probably too injured to bet on.

This year's home statistics are not pleasant reading. In the first nine matches, FKH has 1-2-6 and a goal difference of 4-22, which gives an average of 0.44 goals per match and 2.44 against, while xG is 0.76 and 1.94 against per match. Haugesund often has a high corner average in their matches, they have 11.89 corners on average in total, of which 3.67 are accounted for by FKH and the away team averages 8.22. During the season's home matches, Haugesund has continued to score in the first half. All four of their goals have come after halftime. Defensively, they have been vulnerable throughout – with eight behind before halftime and a whopping 14 after halftime.

Anyway; the league's worst team is further weakened, and with an even thinner bench than before, this could have major consequences later in the game. And as if that weren't enough; this week the club was also able to inform that they will not extend the contract with current sports director; Jostein Grindhaug. A radical, but correct decision. But it also shows a club in crisis.

Vålerenga – A lot of positivity in the team

After their run in the OBOS league last season, many believed that Vålerenga would bring both their positivity and winning culture to the Eliteserien – as we have previously seen Lillestrøm and Brann do. The difference is that Vålerenga had to sell several of their best players to save their finances after the relegation. The replacements that came in maintained a good level in the OBOS league, but unfortunately have not proven good enough in the Eliteserien.

The two players who were originally supposed to be in charge of the goals this season are now gone – either sold or loaned out. Brajanac was sold to Sweden, while Rijks was loaned out to Dutch football. Vålerenga have now brought in Grundetjern from Start, Ofkir back from loan, and Hedvall from Danish football. In addition, the great talent Promise Meliga has finally turned 18, which means he can contribute going forward.

The season has been turbulent with very unstable results. From the worst of the year away against Bryne, to brilliant attacking football at home against Haugesund, and then losing 7–2 in Bodø. Even though the numbers there were ugly, Vålerenga was fully involved in the game until around the 60th–70th minute – before it completely fell apart. After the Bryne game, they have still delivered three wins and one loss, and the trend is now pointing upwards. Hopefully, we will get a repeat of last year's OBOS season, when Vålerenga only lost one game after the worst of the year against Mjøndalen in round five.

Should Vålerenga take home three points today – and then beat Bryne in the next home game – the elite series contract for 2026 will be all but secured. The team will then probably have 30 points after the next two rounds.

If Vålerenga plays like they did at home against Sarpsborg, Haugesund will have a very tough task, and it could easily end in another bad loss. In the previous round, Vålerenga had three players on the team of the round – all from midfield. Considering Haugesund's weakness in midfield, that is where the match could be decided. If Vålerenga manages to control this part of the pitch, give FKH little space, and at the same time utilize their in-form wings – all while they are turned on from the start – then Vålerenga could dominate this match.

However, the away statistics for this season have not been anything to brag about. In the first nine away matches, it has resulted in 3-1-5 and a goal difference of 10-15, which gives an average goal difference of 1.11 away goals and 1.67 goals against, but xG is 0.83 for Vålerenga and 1.43 for the home team. The corner statistics on the away field have given an average of 10.22, where Vålerenga has 4.56 and the home team averages 5.67. During the away matches of the season, Vålerenga has scored four goals in the first half and six after halftime. Defensively, they have been most vulnerable in the matches, with four goals behind before halftime – but as many as eleven in the second half.

Conclusion

Everything indicates that Haugesund will be weakened for this match, both due to injuries and a lack of quality in the wide area. The statistics show that they have had great problems scoring at home and often fall apart after the break. Vålerenga, on the other hand, has shown signs of progress and possesses both offensive qualities and a midfield that can exploit FKH's greatest weaknesses. If they play with the same energy as against Sarpsborg, they should have a good chance of controlling the match and securing three important points. Everything points to this being another tough night for FKH, while Vålerenga can take a big step closer to a secure elite series contract.

Eliteserien at 14:30: FK Haugesund – Vålerenga: Most goals in the second half (2.02)

Alternative games:

Vålerenga to win + over 1.5 goals (1.76)