Rosenborg v Molde
The whole of Norway is highly anticipating this heavyweight clash. At the start of the season most pundits only truly believed that two teams could win the Tippeligaen, Rosenborg and Molde. As the two giants clash here it’s the home side who currently hold an advantage. They sit five points clear and possess a 100% record at the Lerkendal Stadion. The only goals they have conceded in front of their own fans have been consolations in the last 10 minutes. RBK perhaps are not as flairy as they were last season, but there’s a ruthless effectiveness about them and in terms of physique and mentality nobody is better.
Molde certainly aren’t without their strengths, the biggest of which is possessing a number of players with great technical ability. The likes of Eidur Gudjohnsen, Moi Elyounoussi & Fredrik Gulbrandsen especially spring to mind. The visitors have dropped some silly points this year though, mostly on the road. They blew a 3-0 lead at Haugesund and shockingly lost 4-0 at Sarpsborg. At times, a strong physical backbone is missing from this team. Odd beat them 2-0 in their last away game and their opponents bullied them a bit in that affair.
Big team news ahead of this game is that key Rosenberg winger Pal Andre Helland is likely to feature in some sort of capacity. He’s been injured for a while but he’s such an important player for RBK it is possible he could start. Both teams should be in good condition ahead of the match and it should be a great game. I favour the overs in it. Despite the lack of goals RBK have conceded at home, I just think there’s too much attacking ability on show for there not to be at least three goals. I also think Rosenborg will win but they are too short around 1.65, so I will just stick with an over 3 goals bet. This looks a juicy enough price in a match that could have potential to explode. Unlike most sides, Molde won’t be coming here looking to be negative and avoid defeat. They really need all three points and will probably be on the front foot.
Asian Handicap Betting Recommendation: Over 3 goals at 2.03
Viking v Bodo Glimt
The hosts obtained a late victory away at Lillestrom last week and that win has pushed them up to sixth in the table. Viking have generally been going alright this year and have a good mix of quality players in all areas. I still feel they aren’t quite fulfilling their potential, especially upfront where they lack a clinical striker of proven quality. Patrick Pedersen who signed from the Icelandic league was meant to be the answer, but so far he’s been a bust. Viking have some good wide players and some real pacey individuals who can cause havoc to slow backlines.
Bodo claimed a really good 2-1 win in their last away game at local rivals Tromso. But they followed that up with a disappointing home loss to Aalesund (0-1). They tried everything to be fair but nothing worked and ultimately they couldn’t unlock a robust defence. In midweek they made it through to the quarter finals of the cup on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 with Haugesund. So they should at least have some sort of feel good factor heading into this affair. Bodo are a classic counter attacking side and their problem this season has been finishing off chances.
With a full week of rest Viking are strong favourites to win here. Even without that factor they’d be expected to claim an easy victory. I sense it could be a tricky second half for Bodo and I wonder what they’ll have left in the tank following that midweek cup marathon. Their defence can get badly out of shape and I’d imagine Viking will get plenty of chances. I think the visitors will just go for it here and try to grab a goal or two themselves. That certainly can’t be ruled out because Bodo do have some dangerous attackers such as Azemi and Jevtovic. I think Viking will win fairly comfortably but a better bet should be over 2.75 goals. I envisage this being an open contest with both teams scoring. If Bodo have a poor day in front of goal then Viking are still capable of netting 3 or 4 themselves anyway. I certainly wouldn’t want to put anyone off backing Viking on a handicap, but I prefer just to stick with an over bet.
Asian Handicap Betting Recommendation: Over 2.75 goals at 1.84
Prices correct at time of writing.
By @meatmansoccer.
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