Well at last, Tippeligaen is starting up again with 7 games this weekend. This season will be a bit different, since this is the last year with only 14 teams. From next year we will have 16 teams and it will therefore be some adjustments regarding relegation and promotion this year. There will only be 1 team that gets relegated, while 1 team will play playoff against a 1. division team. But this will be more important to have in mind at the last part of the season.

There are some really high odds offered in this first round and there are a few of them that's look interesting. But the one that I fancy the most is the battle at Åråsen, where Tromsø will try to take their 4th awaywin in a row against Lillestrøm.

Everyone had high expectations regarding Lillestrøm last year. They lead the league for a while, but ended up on 4th place at the end. This is the 2nd season with Tom Nordlie as manager, and he is famous for very hard cardio/physical training. It's reported that the players in Lillestrøm have never been better physical trained than now, which might be what they need to last the whole season.

Lillestrøm have done some really good signings before this season: Steinar Pedersen (d), Vidar Riseth (d/m), John Anders Bjørkøy (m) and Jon Midttun Lie (m/a) are all new.

Pedersen will be first choice right back, while Bjørkøy will give good offensive strength in the midfield. Riseth can play both central defender and defensive midfielder, and if Kippe will continue to get either yellow or red card every game Riseth can be a great replacement. Midttun Lie is a natural left winger.

Lillestrøm have also lost some players: Stefanutto (d), Rambekk (d) and Strand (d/m). Strand had been in the club for 10 years, but got cut this year. Stefanutto was ok, Rambekk will be missed.

Injuries: Kiesenebner, Søgård and Johnsen. Doubt: Riise and Kippe

During the pre season, Lillestrøm are 3-7-4 22-20.

Tromsø ended on 6th place last year, which was a good result for the team from the north. Opposite to Lillestrøm, Tromsø played really good at the end of last year season and were 5-1-1 the last 7 games.

Also Tromsø have done some good signings this year. New players are: Tommy Knarvik (m), Adriano Munoz (a), Keijo Huusko (m), Kevin Larsen (d), Miika Koppinen (d).

Players out: Christian Steen (d), Lars Iver Strand(m/a), Jo Nymo Matland(d)

Koppinen will take Steen's place in the defense next year, together with Reginussen (who just got his debut on the Norwegian national team). Knarvik is a natural leader on the midfield while Huusko is a hard working attacking midfielder. The loss of Strand is the main question, but they should have enough depth in their team to fill his place.

Injuries in their team is:Borch, Hafstad and Moldskred.

Tromsø have had a good pre season and are 6-1-3 15-11.

Lillestrøm have always had problems against Tromsø. Tromsø are 7-2-1 against Lillestrøm during their last 10 meeting and 3-1-1 the last 5. Tromsø have won their 5 last meetings, and the last 3 in Lillestrøm.

I would give Tromsø a fair chance here again, and would rate the match about 55% - 25% - 20%. Not the best value, but I'll try it with 3 units.

Good luck, and have a nice weekend.

JPH

Pick : Tromsø
Odds : 5.50
Stake : 3 / 10
Bookmaker : Betsson
Match Result : 1-1
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor: http://www.rb.no/fotball/live/