NTNUI – Øksil – the battle for a playoff spot

NTNUI – time to win at home again?

NTNUI started the year with a 2–3 loss at home to Koll. What is worth noting in this match is that Mizuno League's top scorer Sigurd Festøy was not in the team for NTNUI. Nevertheless, the team managed to secure a point against Koll, who are described as "the locomotive of all of Norway.".

Currently, NTNUI is in sixth place in the Mizuno League, and there is still a good chance to climb a few places in the table, as long as they do their job. They are very well placed to qualify for the playoffs, provided they can keep Øksil behind them.

Axe – youthful determination + a senior

For Øksil, this is a key match in the fight for a playoff spot. They are currently in seventh place in the Mizuno League and need to pick up points to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Øksil started the year with a 1–3 loss away to the newly crowned Norwegian champions BK Tromsø two weeks ago. Øksil played a good match, took the first set and challenged BK Tromsø hard in the second set. However, perhaps there was a bit too much focus on the refereeing decisions on Øksil's part?

The question heading into this match is whether Øksil will field a full squad.

NTNUI – last three matches in the Mizuno League

• NTNUI – Group 2-3
• NTNUI – BK Tromsø 1-3
• NTNUI – Randaberg 3-0

Øksil – last three matches in the Mizuno League

• BK Tromsø – Øksil 3-1
• Axe – OSI 3-0
• Øksil – Randaberg 3-0

Strength ratio between the teams

NTNUI	>/<	Axe
The wingers	>	The wingers
The midfielders	–	The midfielders
Diagonal player	>	Diagonal player
Trailer	>	Trailer
Libero	–	Libero
3	SUM	0

With a win here, Øksil can sign up for the play-offs. We can therefore expect Øksil to go out with full intensity from the start, trying to control the match and get it into their own playing pattern. The team will probably emphasize aggressive serving, high tempo and exploit any weaknesses in NTNUI's reception.

NTNUI at home is always a tough nut to crack for all teams in the Mizuno League. After a 2–3 loss last weekend, NTNUI will probably be frustrated, but at the same time very motivated. The team wants to show off to their home crowd, deliver good volleyball and take all the points with them.

Volleyball at 13:00: NTNUI – Öksil: NTNUI wins (1.60)