Rosenborg are slowly recovering from the dismal start to the season and this game is a perfect chance to further close the gap behind the leading sides in Eliteserien. Stromsgodset, on the other hand, are doing really well at the moment, although they tend to struggle on their travels.

RBK preparing for Champions League exploits

After winning the domestic title in style last term, Rosenborg allowed several important players to leave the club, with the departures of Stadsgaard, Iversen, Demidov and Annan creating a big gap to fill. RBK have also agreed to sell key midfielder Per Ciljan Skjelbred to Hamburg, although he will not leave the club before his replacement is found. The departure of several key players, as well as club’s decision to focus on qualifying for the Champions League group stages are the reasons for somewhat indifferent start to the season, although the latest performances have shown that Rosenborg are indeed close to their top form. With several very young players in the starting line-up, it is only normal that the team lack some consistency, but the good thing is that RBK have no problems in the attacking department, especially at home, having scored nine goals in last three home games.

Key striker Rade Prica could return to the side after recovering from injury, but Jamtfall, Boti Demel, Hoiland, Holm and Asen remain unavailable.

Stromsgodset doing well

Following several difficult years, during which the team struggled to escape the relegation struggle, Stomsgodset finished last Eliteserien campaign in 7th place, hinting that they were on the road to become a genuine top table side. Ronny Deila’s side had a remarkable start to this season, recording some impressive results along the way and they now sit in 4th place. Stromsgodset owe it all to impressive performance at their Marienlyst Stadion, where they have won 6 out of 8 games, but their showings on the travels are another story. Stromsgodset have won just one out of five away games, so they don’t have much to hope for in the match against Rosenborg.

Jo-Inge Berget has returned into action following the short spell on the sidelines and he is set to start this game.

Verdict

Rosenborg have been pretty impressive at home of late and it is clear they are slowly raising their form. Stromsgodset, on the other hand, have major problems away from home and they were very lucky to escape defeat against Valerenga last weekend. Therefore, I expected RBK to record a comfortable win.

Our prediction: Rosenborg with -1.5 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.06 (53/50)

Bookmaker: 188BET