Two of the Eliteserien's mid-table sides meet on Sunday as Stabaek Football welcome Rosenborg to the Nadderud Stadion.
These two sides - who occupy eighth and ninth place in the standings - are separated by just two points, although the visitors have played one game more.
Match preview
In their first season back in the top flight, Stabaek Football would have initially been targeting survival and consolidation, yet those ambitions may now have changed.
Even having lost two of their last three league fixtures, Stabaek occupy eighth spot in the table, just three points adrift of third-placed Tromso.
While there are a number of teams between them, Lars Bohinen's side have been left chasing a target, rather than being overly concerned with trying to stay out of the bottom three.
Their two defeats in seven matches have both come on their travels, Da Blaa currently on a five-match undefeated streak on home territory.
With eight goals having been conceded in their most recent fixtures, though, Rosenborg will only feel encouraged that they can move above their opponents this weekend.
Being two points closer to the relegation scrap means that Rosenborg are looking over their shoulder just a few months after they finished in third spot in the table.
A place in the Europa Conference league second qualifying round has been secured for next month, yet Kjetil Rekdal is aware that his team must make significant improvements to be able to challenge on that front.
Although two wins have come from their last three league outings, they were at home to the 13th and 15th-placed sides in the division, the other four games over a six-fixture period ending in defeat.
Furthermore, Rosenborg have failed to win any of their four league matches away from home in 2023, a 2-1 reverse at second-tier Stjordals Blink in the cup being added to that record.
Team News
Despite going down 3-1 to Lillestrom last time out, Bohinen could select the same side that went close to claiming a share of the spoils.
Stabaek were level until four minutes remaining and have not been in cup action in midweek, factors which may convince Bohinen to keep faith with his previous crop.
However, Fredrik Krogstad and Tobias Pachonik are back in contention after serving bans for red cards against Valerenga last month.
Meanwhile, Rekdal seems likely to stick with the Rosenborg side which thrashed HamKam in their last league fixture.
Like their hosts, Rosenborg have had a week off in the build-up to this game and, barring any fitness issues, Rekdal could retain the same starting lineup.
Stabaek Football possible starting lineup:
Pettersson; Wangberg, Jenssen, Skovgaard; Ottesen, Lucca, Edwards, Andresen; Geelmuyden, Bakenga; Hogh
Rosenborg possible starting lineup:
Hansen; Rogers, Henriksen, Jenssen; Reitan, Bjorlo, Skarsem, Tagseth; Holse, Nelson; Aga
We say: Stabaek Football 1-1 Rosenborg
With as many wins between them as there have been defeats, this can surely only be a closely-fought contest. With that in mind, and both teams being equally indifferent in attack, we are predicting a low-scoring draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
