Lierne – Randaberg 01.03.2025

This weekend's analysis brings us to the penultimate round of the Mizuno League 2024-2025. This time we're going to Lierne in Trøndelag where we'll have a bottom-of-the-table match. 

The Liers – snap snap snout and the adventure was over

It has been a lead-heavy debut in the Mizuno League for Lierne. They have lost all the games so far this season, either 3-0 or 3-1. Last weekend it became mathematically impossible for Lierne to stay in the Mizuno League after a 3-0 loss against BK Tromsø away and 3-0 Koll away.
Key player: Kristian Stensen is averaging 10.6 points per game so far this season.

Randaberg – a sinking ship?

Randaberg is in an extremely difficult period with eight straight losses. Currently, Randaberg is in the vulnerable relegation qualification spot with 11 points after 12 games played. There are two points up from a safe place that Øksil currently holds after 14 games played. If Randaberg wins their remaining games, they will move past Øksil regardless of whether Øksil wins their last game in the series on Saturday night against BK Tromsø.
Randaberg has struggled with injuries to key players Kjetil Riisland and Håvard Aarrestad, but both are back now and were in action against TIF Viking two weeks ago.
Key player: Håvard Aarrestad is averaging 11.2 points per game so far this season.

Conclusion

Lierne go into this match knowing they can play without pressure considering they have already been relegated. They have two home games left in the season and I expect they will want to give something back to their supporters by giving Randaberg a proper match in Liernehallen on Saturday 1st March. Maybe Lierne can even get their first points in the Mizuno League? 

Randaberg goes into the game knowing that they should win this game 3-0 or 3-1 to avoid playing in the relegation play-offs. Considering the last two games, the two top teams in NTNUI meet away and Koll at home. In these two games, I would be surprised if Randaberg gets any points. 

I think Randaberg has a good chance of taking three points home from Lierne. The question is, will they travel with their key players? Follow us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/cPUjACa8b3

The odds tip 

Randaberg has more quality in their team than Lierne (see team rating). I think that will even out tomorrow considering what is at stake for Randaberg. It doesn't help Randaberg that Lierne has nothing more to play for and can just shrug their shoulders and play volleyball for their supporters.
I think it will be an even match tomorrow and Lierne will take at least one set.

Volleyball at: 16:00: Lierne – Randaberg: Lierne +2.5 handicap (1.61)