Sunday, July 20

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Sports Mole previews Sunday's Norwegian Eliteserien clash between Valerenga Fotball and FK Haugesund, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two teams battling against relegation from the Norwegian Eliteserien will clash on Sunday afternoon as Valerenga Fotball host FK Haugesund. 

While the hosts are two points above the drop zone with 15 points from 14 games, the visitors are rock bottom of the standings with just two points from 14 fixtures.

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Match preview

Valerenga's 22-year stay in the top flight of Norwegian football came to an end as they lost the relegation playoff final in 2023, but they were able to immediately return to the Eliteserien by lifting the 1st Division title in 2024. 

Geir Bakke, hired in July 2023, will be hoping to extend their stay in the top division this season, but Valerenga find themselves in a relegation battle nearing the halfway point of the campaign. 

The Royal Blues have won four, drawn three and lost seven of their 14 Eliteserien fixtures, leaving them 12th in the table with 15 points - two points above 14th-placed HamKam in the relegation playoff place. 

However, HamKam have played one game fewer than Valerenga, meaning they could drop to 13th and just one point above the relegation playoff place if results go against them. 

Aiming to take their safety into their own hands, Valerenga are looking for a crucial three points against fellow relegation-threatened Haugesund, and the hosts should be extremely confident of securing the win. 

Haugesund have been a constant fixture in the Eliteserien since securing their return to the top division ahead of the 2010 campaign, but their survival in the top flight is under major threat this term.

The Seagulls have endured a disastrous first half to the 2025 Eliteserien season, sitting rock bottom of the table with just two points from 14 league fixtures. 

With just two draws and 12 defeats - meaning they are the only team in the league yet to win a fixture - Haugesund trail safety by a considerable 12 points. 

The lack of goals has been the main problem for the Seagulls, as they have scored just five times in their 14 fixtures - eight fewer than the second worst goalscoring team, HamKam. 

Toni Korkeakunnas was appointed in May with the hopes of helping to turn their campaign around, but one draw and three defeats means the new boss has had far from the ideal start.

A victory, while unlikely, is crucial for the Seagulls as they aim to boost morale, but having failed to beat Valerenga in their last five meetings, Haugesund are likely to be lacking confidence.

Valerenga Fotball Norwegian Eliteserien form:

Valerenga Fotball form (all competitions):

FK Haugesund Norwegian Eliteserien form:

FK Haugesund form (all competitions):

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Team News

Valerenga are anticipated to be without the availability of Omar Bully Drammeh due to a knee injury, while Ambina Fidele Brice and Stian Sjovold Thorstensen are doubts due to recent injuries.

Following a disappointing defeat to Bryne FK last time out, Bakke could decide to make a number of changes here, meaning the likes of Muamer Brajanac, Vegar Eggen Hedenstad and Elias Sorensen could start.

As for Haugesund, Runar Espejord is ruled out until later this month with a thigh problem, while Claus Niyukuri and Vegard Solheim are doubts to feature due to recent injury issues.

Given Haugesund's miserable run of results and difficulties in front of goal, Korkeakunnas is likely to make more changes in forward areas as he searches for a solution.

Valerenga Fotball possible starting lineup:

Storevik; Hedenstad, Olsen, Tshiembe, Nogueira; Strand, Hagen, Bjordal, Sorensen, Riisnaes; Brajanac

FK Haugesund possible starting lineup:

Wichne; Hope, Dia, Fischer, Bondhus; Nyhammer, Leite, Bizoza; Seone, Diarra, Rohd

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We say: Valerenga Fotball 2-0 FK Haugesund

 

Valerenga are in far from strong form, but given Haugesund's dreadful first half of the campaign and poor record in this fixture, we expect a comfortable home victory.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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