Førde – NTNUI 22.02.2025

Helga's analysis takes us to Sogn og Fjordane for the match between Førde and NTNUI in Øyrane Arena.

Forde

Førde is currently in fifth place with 19 points, seven points below the second place currently occupied by TIF Viking. This is not an insurmountable gap for Førde to close considering that they have three fewer matches played than the teams above them. The key players for Førde this round are Martin Olimstad and Mikal Kalstad, who in recent matches have shown the qualities they have on the volleyball court. Martin Olimstad stands with 15.2 points per match, while Mikal Kalstad has 36 percent Efficiency.
We can assume that Førde is probably looking for revenge after last weekend when they lost a nerve-wracking match against NTNUI 3-2. Førde had to see themselves beaten at the finish line after two match points in the fifth set.

NTNUI

After NTNUI lost to BK Tromsø in January, they have four straight wins. The away win against Koll 3-1 was particularly impressive. NTNUI also inflicted Koll's first loss of the season, with Sigurd Festøy in great form with a staggering 39 points in the game!

Conclusion

The teams met last Sunday where NTNUI won 3-2 in an epic match where all five sets were close. 25-21, 21-25, 27-29, 25-23 and 16-14. One could say that Førde's preparation for this match against NTNUI was not optimal, first with a 12-hour bus ride to Lierne and the following Saturday match, topped off with another four-hour bus ride back to Trondheim on Saturday evening. They did win the match against Lierne comfortably 3-0, but it is probably reasonable to assume that the extensive travel was a contributing factor in Førde losing to NTNUI.
NTNUI and Førde have played very evenly in their last four matches, and the score has ended with 3-2 to the winning team each time.
If you get over 3.5 sets at a good value, then it is a bet I recommend considering the history between these two teams.

The duel in the match will be between Førde's Martin Olimstad and NTNUI's Sigur Festøy. These are two players who are among the top ten in Norway and are the pillars of their respective teams. In the team standings, Førde has one point more than NTNUI and Førde will play at home this time while NTNUI has been on the road. When we also take into account that Førde generally has higher quality wingers than NTNUI, I think Førde will get revenge after last weekend in Trondheim. 

Volleyball at 1:30 PM: Førde – NTNUI: Førde wins (1.75)

Alternative game
Volleyball at 13:30: Førde – NTNUI: Over 3.5 sets (1.40)