Sunday's Eliteserien highlight brings together Lillestrøm SK and Vålerenga at Åråsen. The teams meet on very different trajectories, with Lillestrøm arriving from an important 2-1 away win against Brann last weekend.
Momentum is building
The victory at Brann Stadion secured Lillestrøm's second win in a row, following a win against Egnatia Rrogozhinë in European qualification. This places the team on a run of two wins, two draws and one loss in their last five matches. The manager's choice of a 4-1-4-1 formation with Felix Vá and Fredrik Gulbrandsen up front proved successful, as both scored in Bergen. Gulbrandsen's goal for 2-0 after 22 minutes was particularly key. View the full squad and their statistics here.
Vålerenga, however, have had major problems defending leads. They have only one point from their last four league games, including a dramatic 5-5 draw away at Aalesund where they squandered a 4-1 lead. In their last match against Sarpsborg 08 FF they also let a 2-0 lead slip to draw 2-2. Their last lineup was a 4-4-2 with Gjengaar and Zahid up top.
A key derby
This fixture always carries extra tension, and with both teams' positions in the table, the points will be precious. Lillestrøm will look to exploit home advantage and the positive mood after the Brann win. Recent results show the team has found a more stable defensive organisation, which will be key against a Vålerenga attack that has proven dangerous but also vulnerable.
A club spokesperson said after training on Friday that the team is ready for a big game in front of their own fans. The players are fit and available.
See how this match affects the standings and check Lillestrøm's upcoming fixtures. The match kicks off at 16:00 on Sunday 13 September at Åråsen stadion, with the referee appointment announced on Saturday afternoon.
