Viking FK - Sarpsborg 08 FF

Norway – Tippeligaen

Kick-off:             30/Jun      19:00 CET

Pick:                     Viking FK (-0,75)

Odds:                   1,85 @ Pinnacle

Stake:                   6/10


Result:                 2-2     Profit:   -6,00

This pick does not need a big explanation. I have put on Viking last week against champions Rosenborg (with +0,25 asian handicap of course), both teams had a few goal chances but Viking had bigger and was a bit closer to win. They are in quite decent form this month since the coach made changes within the team but I have written a few lines about these several times. Age Hareide can use same players in the starting eleven, Sokolowski, Knarvik, Danielsen and Ingelsten are still injured, no other missing. 19 years old guy Landu has integrated into the team and plays pretty good on the midfield, Bjarnason is back from the Icelandic National Team and played very useful last week. The most negative disappointment is Nevland so far, he did not play as a chief so far.

Sarpsborg managed amazing results at their home stadium, but totally different if plays on away field, they have gained only two points so far, which one was luckily 1-1 draw against Fredrikstad.  Other draw against Tromsø was deserved, besides I did not see good performance from them during the whole season, Haugesund, Strømsgodset, Odd Grenland and Vålerenga beat them easily. On the top of that important attacking midfielder Røn is doubtful while key attacker – and topscorer – Hoås injured.

It is not question that how seriously Viking players will approach this game. They are still under the safety line, it is shame with this squad but they are meeting a much weaker opponent. I do not expect a tight match, Viking must win this one by 2-3 goals margin. They are great club with decent financial background, have good players, very experienced coach. It could be a tough match for the visitors, who showed weaker performance during the past weeks and will be without their topscorer. More advantage for the hosts that use natural grass while Sarpsborg uses artificial pitch at home.