Vålerenga – Molde

So far, Vålerenga's home games have looked more like crisis meetings with a ball than football matches, while things are boiling in the corridors at Molde as well, after a shocking start to the season to say the least. How will the match no one can afford to lose end?

Vålerenga has spent much of the season demonstrating that "it's the effort that counts", while Molde - who should actually be a medal candidate - have been more unstable than the weather forecast in Northern Norway. In other words, the stage is set for a match where anything can happen, and nothing will surprise.

Vålerenga need points like a fish needs water, and Molde – who have lost Eriksen to injury – are trying to show that they are in control, even if the engine in midfield is now in the workshop. This match has it all: historical imbalance, defensive leaks and a shared ability to make simple things difficult. In other words; perfect Sunday entertainment.

Vålerenga – can it break free from the bottom battle?

Vålerenga are in the bottom half of the Eliteserien and have struggled with form. They haven't won many games and have conceded goals in eight of their last ten games.

Mees Rijks is a bright spot offensively, and Ambina creates the most chances. But do they have the confidence?

Vålerenga scores an average of about 1.2 goals per game, but concedes 1.5 – usually at a time in the game when the coaching staff has just started to breathe.

Molde – must now prove that they can be counted among the top tier

Molde are surprisingly poorly placed in the table after an unstable spring season. With three wins, one draw and three losses in their last seven games, they are just above the team from Oslo in the table, but their form is pointing upwards after a terrible start to the season – despite Kristian Eriksen being out with injury for several months, and we probably won't see him on the pitch until August.

Can they still hope for a Conference League qualification?

Veton Berisha is in good form and will likely be tough to deal with for Vålerenga's defense. He is back after suspension for a red card against Brann and is probably in top form.

Molde have shown offensive strength lately with goals in the games they win, and the 0–3 win against Brann showed good mentality. Even with two red cards they kept a clean sheet – even though the sending-offs came late in the game. But they have also leaked backwards this season. The defense is about as reliable as a used Volvo without a service book.

Conclusion

Injuries in both camps, but here it is Molde who comes out the worst.

Vålerenga has some minor injuries in the squad, while Molde has lost important player Kristian Eriksen in midfield.

The last five meetings have ended with three Molde wins and two draws. Vålerenga have not beaten Molde in a while, and seem to have a chronic allergy to blue kits.

Vålerenga are desperate for points and will fight hard. Molde can play with a little more ice in their stomachs, but can't afford to underestimate a desperate home team.

Molde are the clear favorites, based on form, statistics and history. Vålerenga do have home field advantage, but that has rarely been a guarantee of points this year. Expect goals, drama and possibly a red card – perhaps not because it is needed, but because it is this type of match. But with these two teams, nothing is certain – except that the entertainment value is unlikely to be lacking.

Norway at 14:30: Vålerenga – Molde: BTS + Over 2.5 goals (2.00)