Eighth-placed KFUM Oslo are set to host fifth-placed Viking FK at the KFUM Arena in Norway's Eliteserien on Sunday, and the outcome could affect the relegation battle as well as the race for European football.
The home side have 15 points and are two above 14th-placed Tromso, who occupy the division's relegation playoff spot, while the visitors have 22 points and are behind fourth-placed Fredrikstad, who occupy the final Europa League playoff spot.
Match preview
After 12 games the hosts will be pleased with their season so far considering this is their first ever year in the top flight, and they have a realistic chance of survival.
The scale of their achievement in the Eliteserien should not be underestimated, especially as they are only seven points from Fredrikstad, who are fourth-placed in the table.
Manager Johannes Moesgaard has been in charge since January 2023, and his side have notably gained points against the league's best, including draws against reigning champions Bodo/Glimt and second-placed Brann.
Under his leadership, his team have scored 16 goals and conceded 17 times, the league's joint ninth and ninth best records respectively.
As for their form itself, they come into Sunday's game without a win in their last four, and a 2-1 defeat most recently against Lillestrom SK on June 27.
KFUM have the division's third worst points record at home and have in fact failed to win any of their six matches at the KFUM Arena this season.
Meanwhile, after five away games, opponents Viking have accumulated eight points, which is the league's ninth-best record on the road, and though this is not particularly impressive, they have still picked up twice as many points away from home as the hosts have in their own stadium.
However, their overall form is much stronger considering they have won five of their last seven league fixtures, including 4-2 most recently against Rosenborg on June 30.
Viking took the unusual approach of appointing Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen as head coaches after the 2020 season.
To the pair's credit, they guided their side to a third-placed finish in the 2021 season, and this term they are only six points from second-placed Brann with two games in hand.
Additionally, although they are currently behind the Europa Conference League playoff spot due to goal difference, it is possible that they could compete for a placement in the top two by the end of the season, which would qualify them for the Champions League playoffs.
Under their bosses' leadership this season, Viking have the league's joint fourth-best defensive and joint third-best offensive records, having conceded 15 times and scored on 22 occasions.
Team News
The hosts come into the game with two injury concerns, including Mathias Tonnessen, who is not expected back until November due to a knee injury.
Last time out against Lillestrom SK on June 27 Amin Nouri was forced off with an injury, and he is a doubt for the weekend's clash.
Opponents Viking will be without winger Nicholas D'Agostino, as he is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards.
Left-back Franco Lino is out with a serious thigh injury and is not expected to return until November.
Additionally, Kristoffer Lokberg has not been ruled out despite last appearing on April 14 due to a broken ankle, but he is a doubt.
KFUM Oslo possible starting lineup:
Odegaard; Akinyemi, Nije, Aleesami; Hoseth, Hestnes, Rasch, Gyedu; Svindland, Hummelvoll-Nunez, Dahl
Viking FK possible starting lineup:
Gunnarsson; Bjorshol, Stensness, Langas, Vevatne; Auklend, Bell, Kvia-Egeskog; Lanlay, Salvesen, Tripic
We say: KFUM Oslo 1-1 Viking FK
Although Viking are in better form than KFUM, the hosts have frustrated some of the league's best teams this season.
With this in mind, Sunday's clash could be closely fought, and it would not be surprising to see KFUM defending deeper in their own half for extended periods.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Lewis Nolan
