Odd play host to Sarpsborg 08 on Sunday looking for the win that will bring their opponents firmly into an Eliteserien relegation scrap.
Although there are six spots separating these teams in the standings, Odd trail their ninth-placed opponents by just the four points.
Match preview
© Imago
Sitting down in 15th position, Odd are currently enduring a season that they would not have envisaged having been closer to mid-table in 2023.
Nevertheless, they incredibly only trail seventh place by just the four points, the opportunity remaining to quickly get out of trouble.
Despite recently putting together a five-match streak without success, Kenneth Dokken's side posted an important 2-0 win over Stromsgodset on July 28.
That was also the first clean sheet in six games, while they also extended their run of scoring in consecutive fixtures to seven.
Furthermore, seven points have been registered in their last four fixtures at the Skagerak Arena, increasing the positivity at Oddrane ahead of this encounter.
However, they are facing opponents in Sarpsborg who are on a five-match undefeated run that has included three victories and two draws.
Last time out, a 2-1 triumph was posted against bottom side Sandefjord, catapulting Christian Michelsen's team into the top 10.
Remarkably, Sarpsborg have now scored and conceded in 11 successive Eliteserien matches, there having been a total of 59 goals in their 17 fixtures.
Eight strikes have been netted in the last three fixtures on their travels, something that will not be lost on their hosts.
Team News
Samuel Skree Skjeldal is an injury doubt for Odd having been withdrawn during the final stages of the win over Stromsgodset.
Sondre Solholm may be considered as his replacement if required having made four substitute outings since recovering from a serious knee injury.
Barring any further fitness issues, the remainder of the starting lineup should stay the same.
Michelsen has a dilemma with his Sarpsborg midfield courtesy of Victor Emanuel Halvorsen scoring the winner last time out having replaced captain Jo Inge Berget.
The latter is yet to play more than 61 minutes since recovering from a recent injury, yet he may retain his place here with Halvorsen staying among the replacements.
Odd possible starting lineup:
Hansen; Ruud, Hagen, Baccay, Owusu, Skjeldal; Hussain, Ingebrigtsen; Jorgensen; Svendsen, Midtskogen
Sarpsborg 08 possible starting lineup:
Eriksson; Wichne, Uchenna, Koch, Hiim; Johansen, Sher; Carstensen, Berget, Orjasaeter; Meister
We say: Odd 2-1 Sarpsborg 08
Despite Odd being the joint-lowest goalscorers in the division, we cannot ignore Sarpsborg's poor defensive record. With that in mind, we are backing home advantage to play its part with Odd edging this contest by the odd goal in three.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
