Lillestrøm SK are preparing for another home fixture in the Eliteserien as Vålerenga visit Åråsen Stadion on Sunday, September 13th. The team is buoyed by a solid 2-1 away win against Brann last weekend, a result that provides a boost ahead of the local derby.
Injury news ahead of the match
Manager Geir Bakke once again has to plan without several key players. According to the club's own updates, Camil Jebara, Karl Linus Alperud, Espen Bjørnsen Garnås and Kevin Martin Krygård are all sidelined with injuries. Garnås' absence is particularly notable after he started in defence in the win over Brann. Bakke has shown he has depth to call upon, however, with players like Lars Ranger and Simen Foss ready to step in.
Form guide and expectations
Lillestrøm have taken seven points from their last three matches, with two wins and a draw. The positive trend started with a 1-1 draw against KFUM Oslo and continued with an impressive European qualification tie against Egnatia Rrogozhinë before the loss to Fredrikstad. The victory in Bergen, with goals from Felix Vá and Fredrik Gulbrandsen, confirms the attacking line is functioning. Vålerenga themselves are coming off a dramatic 2-2 draw with Sarpsborg but have struggled defensively, conceding 14 goals in their last five outings. This is a chance Lillestrøm must take.
How to follow the match
The clash between Lillestrøm and Vålerenga kicks off at 16:00 on Sunday and will be broadcast on TV 2 Sport. Check our full squad page for all player statuses and view the upcoming fixtures schedule. After Sunday's game, an important away trip to Viking awaits.
Bakke is likely to build on the same 4-1-4-1 formation that worked in Bergen, with Ylldren Ibrahimaj as the defensive midfielder shielding the back line. With four players absent through injury, the choices on the bench will be key to maintaining a high tempo throughout the match.
