Sandefjord vs Tromso predictions, betting tips and match preview for this Norwegian Eliteserien clash. Two relegation-threatened sides clash in the Norwegian Eliteserien on Wednesday as bottom-placed Sandefjord face 14th-placed Tromso IL at Komplett Arena. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Norwegian Eliteserien | Jul 3, 2024 at 6pm UK at Komplett Arena

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Sandefjord vs Tromso Predictions

Can Sandefjord Break Their Winless Streak Against Struggling Tromsø?

As the Norwegian Eliteserien progresses, the stakes become increasingly high for teams fighting to avoid relegation. This Wednesday, Sandefjord, who currently languish at the bottom of the league, will face 14th-placed Tromsø IL at the Komplett Arena. This match could be pivotal for both teams, given their precarious positions in the table. Sandefjord sit in 16th place with a mere nine points from twelve matches, trailing safety by four points. Tromsø, on the other hand, are one point better off but still very much in the relegation scrap.

Sandefjord’s Battle for Survival

Sandefjord have narrowly escaped relegation in the past two seasons, but their current form suggests that they are once again in for a tough fight. Managed by Hans Erik Odegaard and Andreas Tegstrom since 2021, Sandefjord have only managed two victories in twelve league matches this season. Their last league victories came against Molde FK and Sarpsborg 08 in early May, and since then, they have gone six games without a win in the league. Their recent 4-2 friendly win over Fredrikstad FK and two successive league draws provided a glimmer of hope, but a subsequent 2-1 defeat to relegation rivals HamKam was a significant setback.

Sandefjord’s squad for this match will be missing Aleksander Nilsson and Darrell Tibell due to injuries. Eman Markovic, who has been in good form with goals in two of his last three competitive appearances, is expected to start alongside Alexander Ruud Tveter and Jakob Dunsby. The lineup is anticipated to be Keto in goal; Egeli, Bergile, Gjone, and Cheng in defence; Mork, Ottosson, and Amin in midfield; and a forward line of Dunsby, Tveter, and Markovic.

Tromsø’s Mixed Fortunes

Tromsø started the season poorly, losing their first five league matches. However, their form has improved with three wins and a draw in their last seven outings. They will be keen to secure their first away win of the season and avoid a bottom-half finish after being promoted to the top flight ahead of the 2021 season. Despite their recent improvement, Tromsø have not won at the Komplett Arena since 2010, which could be a psychological barrier.

Tromsø will be without Miika Koskela and Vegard Erlien due to injuries. Lasse Selvåg Nordås, the team’s top scorer with four goals this season, is expected to lead the attack. The expected lineup includes Haugaard in goal; Paintsil, A Jenssen, Guddal, Skjaervik, and Norheim in defence; Nordas, Hjerto-Dahl, R Jenssen, and Antonsen in midfield; with Romsaas in attack.

Key Areas and Player Duels

The midfield battle will be crucial in this encounter, with Sandefjord’s Filip Ottosson and Simon Amin expected to play significant roles against Tromsø’s Ruben Jenssen and Kent-Are Antonsen. Ottosson and Amin have been pivotal for Sandefjord, each earning high ratings and contributing to the team’s ball retention and distribution. Jenssen, Tromsø’s top-rated player, will look to dominate the midfield and provide a creative spark for his side.

In defence, Sandefjord’s Fredrik Tobias Berglie and Vetle Walle Egeli will need to be vigilant against Tromsø’s forward line, particularly Lasse Selvåg Nordås, who has been Tromsø’s main goal threat. Tromsø’s defence, led by Guddal and Skjaervik, will also need to be on high alert to stop Sandefjord’s attackers, especially Eman Markovic.

Expected Gameplay

Sandefjord are likely to adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on solidifying their defence and hitting Tromsø on the counter-attack. With an average possession of 51.6%, Sandefjord have shown they can control the ball, but their defence, which has yet to keep a clean sheet, remains a concern. Tromsø, with slightly less possession at 49.8%, are expected to employ a more direct style, utilising their successful dribbles (8.1 per game) and crossing ability (5 accurate crosses per game) to create chances.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Sandefjord’s primary strength lies in their attacking unit, which has scored 16 goals this season, with a balanced contribution from various players. However, their defensive frailties are glaring, having conceded 21 goals and committing numerous errors leading to shots and goals. Their inability to maintain concentration and avoid critical mistakes has been a significant weakness.

Tromsø’s strength is their improved recent form and ability to convert big chances, scoring 14 goals so far. However, like Sandefjord, their defence is leaky, having also conceded 21 goals. Their away form is particularly concerning, with only one point from four away matches and just one goal scored.

Managerial Critique

Sandefjord’s co-managers, Hans Erik Odegaard and Andreas Tegstrom, have faced criticism for their inability to stabilise the team’s performances. Despite having been at the helm since 2021, their tactical decisions often seem reactive rather than proactive, failing to instil a solid defensive structure.

On the other hand, Tromsø’s managerial setup has shown some tactical flexibility, but their inability to secure away wins points to a lack of effective game planning and motivational issues when playing on the road. The team’s tendency to start matches poorly suggests that the coaching staff struggles to prepare the players adequately for the challenges of away games.

Predictions

Best Bet: Sandefjord -1 to win Sandefjord are desperate for a victory, and their home form, where they have managed both their league wins, suggests they can overcome Tromsø. With Tromsø’s poor away record and Sandefjord’s attacking prowess, a win by a margin of at least one goal for Sandefjord seems likely.

Correct Score Prediction: Sandefjord 2-0 Tromsø Given Sandefjord’s need for points and Tromsø’s struggles away from home, a 2-0 win for Sandefjord is a plausible outcome. Sandefjord’s home victories have typically come with a two-goal margin, and Tromsø’s lack of goals on the road supports this prediction.

Goalscorer Prediction: Eman Markovic to score Eman Markovic has been in fine form, scoring in two of his last three competitive matches. With Tromsø’s defence susceptible to errors, Markovic’s recent scoring streak could well continue in this match.

Corner Prediction: Sandefjord to win more corners Sandefjord average 4.8 corners per game compared to Tromsø’s 4.9, but given the home advantage and likely attacking impetus, Sandefjord could edge the corner count. A total of around 9-10 corners in the match is expected.

Innovative Market Prediction: Sandefjord over 2.5 team shots on target With Sandefjord’s attacking intent and Tromsø’s defensive vulnerabilities, predicting over 2.5 shots on target for Sandefjord appears reasonable. Sandefjord’s average of 4.2 shots on target per game supports this bet.

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