Rosenborg BK - Strømsgodset IF

Norway – Tippeligaen

Kick-off:             09/Jul          18:00 CET

Pick:                  Strømsgodset IF (+1,5)

Odds:                 1,87 @ Pinnacle

Stake:                6/10


Result:               2-0     Profit:   -6,00

Rosenborg performs quite poor this year, gained only 19 points after 13 rounds. Midfielders Skjelbred and Henriksen plays well, goalkeeper Örlund and attacker Prica were also good sometimes, but some youngsters, who got chance from coach Jan Jönsson – Svensson and Bakenga – need more time at this level. Hamburg has signed Skjelbred this week but RBK want keep him until 5th August because the Champions League qualify games, he is very important midfielder and he did not glad, he wanted to join to Hamburg earlier. For this game Rosenborg will be without key striker Rade Prica, who picked up an injury against Viking. He is not 100% fit and Jönsson won’t risk before the important Champions League qualify game against Breidablik, RBK will play with same starting eleven like against Sarpsborg last week. Yes, they won by 4-0, but without doubt Sarpsborg is much weaker than Godset, furthermore played without their two best players  Jørgensen and Hoås. Add to this that Rosenborg had seven days while Sarpsborg had only three days to recover before that meeting.

This clash against Strømsgodset will be different in my opinion. The guests improved a lot at defence  compared with last year. Riddez has left before the season, but central defenders Madsen and Aas recovered after long term injuries and both are key players this year. Key left back Vilsvik have injured against Vålerenga, but all other regular players are reported as available, Sætra – Madsen – Aunan – Aas defence is most likely. The midfield seems also decent, but I miss the goals from the attacking players. Kamara scored four goals, Keita only one, Storflor and Berget are goalless so far, it is not enough, but fact that Godset is playing well as team and they are near the top three with 23 points after 13 games, while Brann gained 26 points after 15 games, leader Molde has 29 points after 15 games.

It seems a very high handicap for me. Godset is rated as poor travellers but they earned a 2-2 draw against Vålerenga last week, before that lost against Viking (NM Cup) by 1-0 despite that played well and deserved at least draw. Bookies offered similar odds with -1,5 asian last year on Rosenborg – Strømsgodset, but Rosenborg is much weaker while Strømsgodset looks more stable team this year, so it is a bit strange. I think the hosts are looking forward the CL qualify and they will improve after sign some new players, it could be more difficult match than the odds suggest, I expect a difficult home win (1-0, 2-1) or maybe we will see a surprise.