Valerenga Fotball will hope to move clear of the Eliteserien relegation zone when they play host to Stromgodset on Sunday.
However, while the home side sit in 10th spot in the standings ahead of this fixture, Stromsgodset will move above them with victory at the Intility Arena.
Match preview
Valerenga head into this fixture on the back of 2-0 victory over Sotra in the NM Cupen, their third such victory in that competition.
Nevertheless, it has been a different story for the Pride of Oslo in the league, losing five of their last eight games to drop down to 10th position.
Dag-Eilev Fagermo will feel that his team have the potential to move higher, as shown by a recent three-game undefeated spell, but they were well beaten by leaders Bodo/Glimt last weekend.
On a positive note, this is a team that has scored in their last seven league matches, although their only two clean sheets have been against the bottom-two sides in the division.
Although they possess a game in hand on many of the teams above them, a third loss in a row could leave Valerenga embroiled in a relegation scrap.
Stromgodset have been equally reliant on their cup form to keep confidence at a respectable level behind the scenes, prevailing three successive times away at lower-level teams.
That said, Jorgen Isnes's team have won just one of their most recent eight fixtures in the Eliteserien, beating 12th-placed Sandefjord by a 1-0 scoreline.
Isnes would have been hopeful of building some momentum before witnessing his team go down 2-1 at home to Haugesund last weekend, a result which moved their opponents above Stromgodset in the table.
While three away victories have been posted in the cup, Stromgodset are yet to win away from home in the league and have not done so for over 12 months.
Team News
With Torgeir Borven scoring in the cup in midweek, the forward may be provided with an opportunity in the league ahead of Seedy Jatta.
Barring any injury issues, the rest of the Valerenga side may stay the same, although Odin Thiago Holm's place may be at risk after his 55th-minute withdrawal versus Bodo/Glimt and remaining as an unused substitute in the cup.
Isnes opted against making major changes for the trip to Vard and it paid off as Stromgodset ran out 4-1 victors in that tie.
Of the players who came into the team, Emmanuel Danso played an hour in central midfield and may be considered for another start in this contest.
Valerenga Fotball possible starting lineup:
Sjoeng; Hedensted, Jensen, Strandberg, Juklerod; Strand, Holm, Bjordal; Hakans, Borven, Ofkir
Stromsgodset possible starting lineup:
Myhra; Valsvik, Dahl, Leifsson; Vilsvik, Stengel, Ipalibo, Grogaard; Mehnert, Brunes, Gulliksen
We say: Valerenga Fotball 1-1 Stromsgodset
With both teams having failed to prevail in their last two fixtures, confidence may be on the low side. With that in mind, we feel that a draw is both likely at a time when their respective managers will be more concerned about avoiding defeat than pushing for victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
