Jul 2, 2020
Eliteserien Best Bets 02/07
Hoping yesterday was the start of good things, 7–1 on non goalscorer bets and hope to continue this form into today and then the weekend.
Kristiansund — Molde:
Kristiansund have started the season unbeaten. Head coach Christian Michelsen has done an outstanding job. Key to his success so far has been game managing players and there has been a lot of rotation, keeping players fit. Everyone knows the system really well here which is effectively a 4–3–3. Predicting the Kristiansund starting XI is always a devils game. Anything is possible and Michelsen won’t necessarily go with the strongest looking XI on paper. It will depend on individual situations and fitness.
Molde travel here with a 100% record after beating Stabaek 4–1 at the weekend. There were some moments of alarm as they watched their opponents hit the woodwork three times but Molde are capable of bulldozing any team with goals and that very much came to fruition on Sunday. Stabaek are a team who have the potential to be defensive but had no answer. They have so much depth in midfield and attack that it doesn’t really matter who starts.
This is a local derby and Kristiansund have been more than competitive in recent years. In the last two seasons Molde have left empty handed from this stadium. I definitely think we can see goals here. Molde have insane attacking ability for this division and they can overpower anyone. Kristiansund should give as good as they get and with the likes of Pellegrino and Kastrati in the team they will always have a threat. I have a feeling that the extra class of Molde will get them a victory but I wouldn’t be surprised if they dropped their first points of the season here. It should be a really good and entertaining watch anyway. As a side bet centre back Christophe Psyche to score any time at 11.00 is too big. He is a massive threat from set pieces and bagged 7 goals last season. He’s already off the mark this year too and Molde can be vulnerable from corners.
Best Bets: BTTS & O2.5 goals @ 1.90 (Bet365) 5.5/10, Christophe Psyche to score @ 11.00 (Nordicbet) 1/10 same price is on coolbet, betfair, w.hill
Sarpsborg — Brann:
Sarpsborg are the only remaining team in the Eliteserien yet to pick up a point. 0W 4L for new manager Mikael Stahre and the longer this continues the more this will start feeling like his failed stint at San Jose Earthquakes. Stahre has been implementing a 3–4–3 system which hasn’t really been effective so far. They were a little unlucky in the last round only losing 1–2 vs Bodø/Glimt but actually restricted them quite well. Stahre put together a ganeplan to sit deep and frustrate Glimt but ultimately individual mistakes cost them.
Brann started the season well and would still be unbeaten but for a freak deflected goal conceded vs Rosenborg. I personally didn’t think that Brann played as well as they could have and were almost too timid. This is a mentality problem under coach Lars Arne Nilsen. With him at the helm there will always be moments like that where they are too passive and not adventurous enough. Brann on paper have a very good squad which realistically should be challenging for top 4
Brann appear more comfortable away from home these days and I just sense that Sarpsborg are one of those teams that are finding ways to lose games whatever they do. I’m a little surprised their price is so big for this game but maybe Sarpsborg are just overrated by the bookmakers, something which has been a regular theme for nearly 2 years now. As a side bet I’m going to back Brann centre back Vegard Forren to score anytime at a big price of 18.00. He’s new to the club and I just sense he is eager to make an impact by getting on the scoresheet. He has been known to take a thunderbolt of a freekick from time to time but will also be dangerous from set pieces.
Best Bets: Bet builder; Brann or draw, brann over 0.5 team goals, over 0.5 combined 2nd half goals @ 1.97 5/10 1XBet. Vegard Forren to score @ 18.00 1/10 Betfair
As usual will probably add more throughout the day!
