Vålerenga IF – Molde FK

Norway – Tippeligaen

Kick-off:             29/Jun                 20:00 CET

Pick:                     Vålerenga IF (-0,5)

Odds:                   2,05 @ Pinnacle

Stake:                   6/10


Result:                 1-2     Profit:   -6,00

Vålerenga has been easier schedule during the last weeks, they did not play in the first half of June, the game against Odd Grenland was postponed and they eliminated from NM Cup. Their first game was on 19th June when beat Sarpsborg, clear victory, Enga dominated especially during the first half. One week afterwards followed another win against Start away from home. The team was not so overpowering like last year but improved comparing the previous months. Right back F. Stoor and key attacker M. Berre are still injured, regular midfielder F. Ogude – who played as attacker lately – is back after served his one match suspension.

Molde has been difficult period in these weeks and played a lot of games the players are quite tired. I have seen only once convincing performance from their last four meetings, that was the NM Cup match against Adeccoligaen team Hønefoss. Otherwise they won over Strømsgodset away from home despite that Godset was close to equalize in the second half and Molde was not better. Then they beat last ranked Sogndal, deserved win but was not big difference between the teams. And three days ago Odd Grenland beat them, Molde did not have winning chance despite that the opponent was also poor in my opinion, slight dominance, a few long shots and finally won in the last minute. First goalkeeper Pettersen and very important young midfielder Eikrem – who showed great performance lately -  are doubtful, central defenders Steenslid and Steen struggle with long term injuries. Best midfielder Hoseth is back after suspension.

Although Vålerenga is weaker than last year and Molde is better than last year, nevertheless I will put on Vålerenga. Molde could be better with Hoseth than last round but they can suffer away from home against most of teams. Vålerenga enjoys a few advantages, more time to recover between the games, most of key players are available, just wingers Nordvik and dos Santos will need improve. Basically home team has enough potential to win this one in case if most of players will perform well.