Viking will play host to Stromgodset on Saturday, July 10, at Viking Stadion. These two Eliteserien teams last met at this stadium in October 2020, when they parted ways with a 2-2, having split the previous two outings with one win apiece.
Viking vs Stromgodset
When: Saturday, July 10 – 18:00 CEST
Where: Viking Stadion in Stavanger, Norway
Weather: Cloudy, 17°C
Referee: Smehus Kringstad (NOR)
Viking and Strombodset will clash in the 12th round of Eliteserien in what promises to be a high-scoring affair. Viking enter this match following five consecutive games that featured at least three goals, whereas Stromgodset saw at least three goals in three of their last five and two goals in the remaining two outings.
Unlike Stromgodset, however, Viking were rarely on the receiving end and are undefeated in their last three, with two draws and one win. The visitors are 1-2-2 in their last five and still without a win on the road, which they will hope to change at Viking Stadion.
Viking’s Chasing Top-Three
Viking enter this match with a 5-2-4 record on the season and 17 points, which is good for fifth place in the league standings. Across their last five outings, Viking lost against Sandejfjord (0-3), won against Valerenga (4-1) and Sarpsborg (1-2), and drew their last two against Stabaek (3-3) and Bodo/Glimt (2-2).
Not only have Viking been performing well this season, but they are also 2-1-0 against Stromgodset in their last three head-to-heads. That said, they are 2-3-5 across their last 10 outings and have managed only a 2-2 draw in October 2020.
An additional concern for Viking is their home form. Although they are 3-1-1 at home on the season, they have conceded seven goals across those five outings and five in their last three. What’s more, Viking are 1-2-2 against Stromgodset at Viking Stadion since September 2015.
Scoring goals hasn’t been an issue for Viking this term, seeing how they are at 21 goals after 11 outings. Berisha Veton leads the charge with nine goals to his name, four of which he has scored in Viking’s last two outings.
However, as impressive as Viking have been in the front, they have been equally as unconvincing in the backline. In 11 games on the season, Viking conceded 23 goals, making them the only team inside the top-nine with a negative goal difference.
The only team in the league that conceded more goals are Brann (11-25), who sit at the bottom of the table with 12 games played and five points.
Stromgodset Are Playing Solid Football
Stromgodset are 3-3-4 on the season and 1-2-2 in their last five. During that stretch, they won against Sandefjord (4-0), drew with Mjondalen (1-1) and Valerenga (1-1), and lost the remaining two against Molde (0-3) and Bodo/Glimt (2-7).
Despite their underwhelming run, you should give Stromgodset some slack, as they had to face tough opponents. What’s more, they played good football, and it’s very difficult to ignore just how good they looked on Sunday when they forced a draw with the current no.3, Valerenga.
Stromgodset did play that game at home, though, where they seem to be the strongest (3-2-0). The same doesn’t hold true for their road games, where Stromgodset are still without a win (0-1-4).
Stromgodset enter the match without any notable injuries. Nicholas Mickelson and Lars Salvesen will remain sidelined, but neither played a single game this season, so their absence won’t be noticeable. In addition, centre back Niklas Gunnarsson is back on the team after serving his suspension.
Viking vs Stromgodset Betting Picks
Unlike Stromgodset, who have a full squad ready, Viking will have to fill in the gaps left behind by a few key members. Joe Bell left to prepare for the Olympic Games and won’t be available this evening. Neither will Kristoffer Løkberg, Fredrik Torsteinbø, Sebastian Sörlie Henriksen, Sondre Bjørshol, and Johnny Furdal.
Stromgodset have not been as successful as Viking of late, but this is not a bad team. They might have managed only one win in their last five, but given the challenging schedule they had to ensure, five points from five games isn’t that terrible, and it’s not like Strongodset played poorly in any of those outings.
Stromgodset have the talent to take advantage of Viking’s leaky defence, and unlike the hosts, they won’t be missing key players.
Prediction: Stromgodset +0.50 Asian Handicap
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