Rosenborg will be hoping to build on the away win over Rapid Wien when they take on group favourites Bayer Leverkusen in Trondheim. Having failed to beat Metalist Kharkiv at home, the Germans are now looking to make amends for the opening setback and bring all three points to Leverkusen.

Lucky win in Wien

Rosenborg are no longer a force to be reckoned with in Norway and even while they are still involved in the title chase on domestic stage, the squad don’t look good enough to make an impact in Europe. The Norwegians did well to reach the Europa League group stages by eliminating Ordabasy, Servette and Legia Warsaw, but considering they experienced major problems against each of the three sides, we cannot really say RBK deserve to be here. Rosenborg may have done well to beat Rapid Wien away in their opening group fixture, but they were very lucky to do so after their opponents missed a number of great chances to score, including a penalty. RBK have since lost to Brann away and beat Haugesund at home, but they clearly don’t look to be on top of their game at the moment.

Important defender Tore Reginiussen is a major doubt as he struggles with a back problem, but all other players are fit to feature.

Bayer showing a lot of improvement

Bayer Leverkusen did well to keep hold of star players Andre Schurrle and Lars Bender despite a lot of interest from top European clubs, but they were powerless to prevent Eren Derdiyok and Tranquillo Barnetta from leaving. In came several very talented players, meaning the squad now look as strong as last term. Die Werkself didn’t have such a bright start to the season, having lost two of their first three league games, but they have since showed a considerable improvement. Bayer may have failed to beat Metalist and Borussia M’gladbach, but the players could take a lot of heart from the performances as they have completely outclassed two very good opponents. The Bay Arena outfit went on to beat Augsburg and Fortuna Dusseldorf in their last two game, meaning they go into the Rosenborg clash high on confidence.

Coach Sami Hyypia can choose from a fully fit squad and he is likely to stick to the team that beat Greuther Furth at the weekend.

Verdict

Rosenborg are no match to teams in their Europa League group and a lucky win over Rapid should prove to be a one-off result. Bayer Leverkusen are on top of their game at the moment, and die Werkself should have enough in them to win in Norway.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.25 (5/4)

Bookmaker: William Hill