Odd v Stabaek
Wednesday 10th July 1800hrs
Football – Norway – Eliteserien
Pick Under 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Marathon Bet
Odds: 27/25 (odds taken 21.30 GMT, Tuesday 9th July)
Wednesday’s game between Odd and Stabaek represents an opportunity for both teams to make up points on the teams around them with this game in hand in the Norwegian top flight.
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/12 | 10/3 | 6/1 |
* (Betting Odds were taken from Sportingbet on July 9th, 2019 at 21.30)
Norwegian Eliteserien Betting at Marathon Bet
Odd Preview – Can Odd gain win that would see them close to within a point of top spot?
Odd have made a very strong start to their domestic season and are looking to make up for the disappointment of the last campaign. Having finished in ninth spot in 2018, the long-serving manager Dan Fagermo would have been hoping for a much better season this time around. The initial signs are very positive with the club sitting in third spot after 13 games. Molde set the pace at the top of the table, a team Odd are four points behind but do have two games in hand over. That gap could have been even greater, however, had Odd not come back from 2-0 down to grab a point over the leaders on Friday.
That game came directly on the back of a 3-0 loss to Bodo/Glimt who climbed above them into second. It made the comeback against Molde all that more important and now Odd can kick on again on Wednesday.
Torgeir Borven has been one of Odd’s star performers this season scoring nine goals in 13 league games. The striker has been something of a nomad but he’s finally showing the form that earned him a move from the club in his younger days. With five strikes in his last eight games he will be full of confidence for the vist of Stabaek.
Stabaek Preview –Will Stabaek build on three match unbeaten run to move clear of bottom three?
The previous three seasons have been something of a struggle, to put it mildly, for Stabaek. Two of those campaigns have ended with them in the relegation playoff but managing to save themselves on both occasions. The signs are that this season is going to be much of the same. Stabaek are now under the care of Swedish coach Jan Jonsson who took over last month. He had a five year spell in charge between 2005 and 2010, overseeing their most successful ever spell. Jonsson led Stabaek to their only top-flight title in 2008 and is tasked with restoring some of that glory. That is a long way off, however, and it’s all about climbing the table.
The signs have been positive of late as the club have won two and draw one of their last three games. It’s a step in the right direction and has given them something breathing space at the bottom.
Heading into Wednesday’s game Stabaek are four points clear of bottom spot just two clear of the second automatic relegation spot. They have played the lowest amount of games in the league, however, and a point above the playoff position. Jonsson will be attempting to change the mindset of the club and its players, and focusing on what’s above them rather than below.
Key-Facts – Odd v Stabaek
- Odd can go to within a point of top spot with a win on Wednesday and have won six of their seven home games
- Stabaek have struggled this season but the appointment of former manager Jan Jonsson has revived their form and have won their last two away games
- Despite their struggles at the bottom of the table the visitors have the best defensive record in the league, along with Odd
Odd v Stabaek Betting Advice
This will be the first meeting of the season between these two clubs and Odd are big favourties for the win. That is not overly surprising considering their respective league positions but Stabaek will have some confidence heading into this game. The arrivals of Jonsson has revived this squad and instilled some much needed belief. Odd have also stuttered of late, albeit against the better teams in the league. Should Odd live up to their favourites tag they will have to overcome a terrible record against this opponent – they have lost six of their last seven to Stabaek.
Odd have an excellent home record this term and are unbeaten in seven matches, winning six of them. The visitors have not been great travelers with only two wins, but both them have come in their last couple of away games under this coach.
A low-scoring game looks the way to go here. Odd have won three of their home games to nil with all three going under 2.5 goals. Stabaek have the joint best defensive record in the league, too.
