Kristiansund – Rosenborg 22-06-25

The top division in Norwegian football is not the easiest to read in terms of the table. One team has played twelve games, some eleven, most ten or nine, while Bodø Glimt has played eight. Reading through the strength level so far is not easy. What we do know, however, is that Rosenborg has had a decent start to the season in terms of points. The Trøndelag team holds on to third place, with only one loss on their conscience. It was a clear-cut one, however, as the Bodø team ran over the black and white striped team. Beyond this, the points haul is fine, despite the fact that almost no goals are scored. The neighbors a little further southwest of the country have placed themselves around the middle of the table. It has been a little below par so far, and the six losses in particular are at least a couple too many. The tricky matches often go against the Kristiansund team, which needs to be corrected if the ghost of relegation is not to start rattling in the distance.

Kristiansund – It usually only happens almost

That's how it has been for a while for Kristiansund. You fight hard and long, but the result is often a bitter one-goal loss. The goal difference reads 13-18 after eleven games, which tells part of the story. You get few chances, score an average of about one goal per match, and let a little too much go behind. If you want to be able to live comfortably with giving up one and a half goals against each round, you have to produce far more than what the home team is doing currently.

And strikers and notorious finishers have not been spoiled in Nordmøre in recent seasons. Amahl Pellegrino wreaked havoc for Kristiansund about five years ago, scoring a somewhat insane 33 goals in 39 games. Unfortunately for the westerners, the best Pellegrino is the exception. The spearheads find other clubs. Both Kilen and Alte are exciting players, and pieces that happen a bit around, especially in the offensive game. But there is little doubt that the team lacks the goal guarantee. Until this man is in place, Kristiansunderne will probably have to continue to focus on the defensive orientation, and hope that this is enough to save the place for another season.

The reverse fixture played in the spring ended 1-1. A strong away performance by Kristiansund, also with a man less on the pitch for much of the match. We believe that the result is far from unthinkable to be repeated on Sunday, and that with Trønder's player sales and team shake-ups, there is absolutely no unfavorable time for a new meeting. Here you have a golden opportunity to fight for a result.

Rosenborg – Player sales overshadow the start of the season

As I said, the start of the season has been good for Rosenborg. An average of two points per match is impressive, and seven goals conceded is the best in the class. The defensive orientation has worked, and the result has been a nice third place. After a few seasons with a lot of strange results, and many big, humiliating losses, this is a step in the right direction. The problem, however, has been up front. 13 goals in eleven matches is not much to brag about, and if this continues, they will probably have to wave goodbye to an advanced position when the season ends.

In addition, they have now sold two of their top players. Sverre Nypan has been sold to Manchester City, and will be teammates with Haaland and Bodd there. A somewhat sensational transfer, worth about 170 million kroner. As if that weren't enough, the Trøndelag team is also selling Marius Broholm to the French Lille for about 90 million Norwegian coins. These are two gigantic transfers on a Norwegian scale, and the money is flooding into Trøndelag. Selling two talents to big teams, in big leagues, is in many ways a good thing, but what does this mean for Rosenborg's further commitment? Should they take up the fight with Bodø/Glimt, or should they be a selling club that takes one step forward and two back? It is not easy to say no to over 250 million, and in a way you shouldn't either, because this is perhaps what is needed to build a stronger team in the long term. And this will be the big question in Trondheim now. The club is getting rid of Nypan, who undoubtedly possesses great qualities, while also saying goodbye to the right winger, Broholm, who has occasionally shown proof of what is in the boy. In the short term, the robber is laid back, and the responsibility is moved into the boardroom. Because this money must be managed quite quickly in new players. If Rosenborg is going to rise and compete with Bodø/Glimt, Viking and Brann, they must sign talented, as well as already fully developed, types. It will be very interesting to follow what comes through the gates of the barracks in the coming weeks.

A newly composed midfield/attack will therefore be the conclusion this weekend. For Rosenborg it will be about finding the way to the net, while also being ready for the physical battle that Kristiansund will offer. We foresee a close and even battle, and not necessarily a goal show. The shoe is pressing in attack also for the former great team, and a man like Ole Sæter should know his visiting time now. If you are to continue to be an important man at Lerkendal, the goals must come soon.

Conclusion – Two teams that score little meet for a "local showdown"

So what are we left with here? A match between two teams that score little, and some from Trøndelag who hardly concede goals. Rosenborg is weakened due to player sales, and Kristiansund wants to beat their big brother a little further north. The sweetest three points of the year came away against Molde for the Nordmøre team, and if they get a good result here too, it would be a big deal.

We envision a match where Kristiansund closes in at the back and tries to make transitions. Rosenborg will not get much, and thus much of the match will be moved into the middle circle. If we base this on previous matches, form, and the season so far, this will be a match with few goals. Our gut feeling agrees, and therefore our recommendation is under 2.5 goals from Kristiansund Stadion. Perhaps a bet on both teams not scoring is also a good option? We add this as an alternative.

Norway at 17:00: Kristiansund – Rosenborg: Under 2.5 goals (2.20)

Alternative game

Norway at 17:00: Kristiansund – Rosenborg: Both teams to score: No (2.15)