Start vs Stabaek Match Preview and Prediction

Aron Wright - July 6, 2018

Start vs Stabaek
Norwegian Eliteserien
Date: Sunday, 8 July 2018
Kick-Off at 17:00 UK / 18:00 CET
Venue: Sparebanken Sor Arena, Kristiansand.

Start have just joined the elite class this season, but keeping such status will be a mountain to climb for them, at least if we are to judge by the sloppy start to the campaign. They sit second from bottom three points short of Sunday’s rivals Stabaek, meaning a failure here would likely push Kjetil Rekdal’s side towards the immediate comeback to the second tier.

The visitors will come into the game in higher spirits following the 2-1 victory over Haugesund, inspired by a brace of Franck Boli. It was a huge win for the team led by Toni Ordinas, and it came just at the perfect moment, ahead of such an important clash with fellow strugglers Start.

Start vs Stabaek: Head-to-head

• Stabaek lead the head to head tie by three wins coming into 29th encounter with Start.
• Teams shared spoils in a 1-1 draw when they met for the first time in this term of Eliteserien, back in late-April at Nadderud Stadion.
• Stabaek were on a streak of three straight victories in matches with Start before this draw.
• Three or more goals were seen in 15 of last 16 head to head games between these rivals.

Start vs Stabaek: Prediction

Goals look to be guaranteed whenever these two sides are to lock horns. Even the lone of past 16 H2H outings which did not bring three or more goals saw a 1-1 draw (two goals scored), meaning backing goals at both ends looks to be a genuine option at the 1.57 odds.

As for the outcome, Start will clearly fancy their chances here knowing that Stabaek are one of the league’s weakest travellers. De Blaa took only two points from seven away fixtures in this term of Eliteserien and they will head into this off the back of five straight losses on the road. Start, on the other side, won three and drew one of last four home outings, meaning we just have to see the value of the 2.45 odds offered for their victory here.

Start vs Stabaek: Bet Tips

BTTS @ 1.57

Start to win @ 2.45.