Valerenga – Sparta

When Vålerenga Ice Hockey takes on Sparta Sarpsborg at Jordal Amfi on Thursday, there are two teams coming into the match with different prerequisites, but with a home team in strong form at the center.

The pride of Oslo

Vålerenga have been in a strong period, with only two losses in the last ten games. The steady collection of points has lifted them in the table and given the team clear self-confidence. At the same time, the goal production has been consistently solid. VIF consistently scores well over three goals per game, and has shown the ability to score early in the game several times this season.

At home, Vålerenga have been particularly aggressive. They press high, shoot a lot and often create a game that forces the opponent to defend low. When the flow is right, Vålerenga is among the most entertaining teams in the league offensively. At the same time, they have conceded goals in some matches as a result of a high level of risk, but this has affected them to a lesser extent in the recent period.

Sparta Sarpsborg

Sparta Sarpsborg come to Jordal as a team that thrives best when the games are tight and structured. They are comfortable with a slower pace and seek to keep the matches even until the end. Against a Vålerenga team in good form, the challenge will be to withstand the pressure and avoid early goals.

Conclusion

Everything points to a match where Vålerenga's form and goal-scoring ability set the stage. With a home team that scores a lot and has won eight of its last ten, and an away team that has to withstand pressure over time, the conditions are right for a match where the intensity is high, and where chances and goals can quickly come at both ends. Therefore, I think Vålerenga will score above average again and play:

Ice hockey at 18:30: Vålerenga – Sparta: Vålerenga over 3.5 goals (1.72)