Stabaek vs Lillestrom

Stabaek have had big problems both on and off the field lately. Almost everyone in the squad is under 25 years old, which is the youngest squad in this year Tippeliga. The tragic death of young midfielder Gromstad some weeks ago came as a shock through whole Norway, and it has set some deep traces within the squad. Both young squad and the death og Gromstad has combined to the lack of results so far this season.

 

Stabaek has only 0-1-9 in their first ten games and 3-25 on goal difference. The three goals have been scored away from home, which means that Stabaek has only 0-1-4 at home and 0-11 on goal difference. Herman Stengel (midfield) is out during suspension.

 

Lillestrom has also been really disappointing this season. They got a new coach before this season with Magnus Haglund, and he used som big money. Petter Vagan Moen (former Brann and QPR) returned back from a catastrophic stay in Queens Park Rangers. He has not delivered quite the way it was meant to be and is out with a injury now. Luke Rodgers (former New York Red Bulls), Espen Nystuen (former Sandefjord) and Johan Andersson (former Stabaek) have been bought in, but it is just Nystuen that has delivered so far. Arild Sundgot (striker, long term injury) and Erik Midtgaarden have been out all season and are still missing.

 

Lillestrom has showed some form after loosing 3-4 against Brann at the 13th of May. They beated Viking (1-2) and Sogndal (1-0) after that, before a draw against Aalesund (0-0) last Wednesday. They have got their best player, Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson back into scoring goals, and he has produced 6 goals in his last 4 games now. The attention has increased when it comes to Sigurdarson, and both Wolverhampton and Everton were watching him during the game against Sogndal.

 

I must say that the odds is way to high here when we consider the circumstances that Stabaek is struggling with. Lillestrom has not been very convincing this season either, but have better players in every position. This is the last game before the summer-break in Norway, so this is the last opportunity for Sigurdarson to make a good impression on the scouts before the summer window opens. Stabaek is by far the weakest team in Tippeligaen right now, and I pick Lillestrom to win 2.30@Expect which is a very good odds in my opinion.