PICK: Sparta @ 1.90
Stake: 4u
WriteUp: Stats in Norway (25-5-1)
Big big game. This is the match Sparta wanted. Last time these team faced eachother was at Valerenga, where Sparta lost 2-1. Shortly, it was Derochers against Sparta, and Derochers won. Sparta was definantly the better team, and shouldve won.
Since then Sparta has 8 straight wins, all with 2 goals or more, except against Stavanger away. Sparta are 6 points ahead of Valerenga, and this is an important game. Valerenga has allowed the least goals, 24 in 17 games, although their offense has "only" scored 53 goals. Many times their goaltender Derochers have saved them, and im only waiting for the time that the true defense will reveal itself.
Sparta's homeplay have been really good this season, 8 straight wins, all with 3 goals or more, except one. With 43:9 in goal difference at home, they will face Valerenga who have won 5 out of 7 away games. With a goal difference of 23:11. Its clear that they like to keep numbers low, mostly cause they win their games because of their defense.
Sparta has sold more tickets than the derby against Stjernen, and there will be lots of Sparta fans there. They want this win, the loss this season was not very fair, and they should take revenge here because of their good home play.
PICK: Stavanger -1.5 @ 1.55
Stake: 4u
WriteUp: Stats in Norway (25-5-1)
Stavanger have a great shot to take over the 2nd spot now that Valerenga will face Sparta away. They will face a Frisk/Asker who has produced really well before the break.
Frisk/Asker vs. Lorenskog 5:4
Lillehammer vs. Frisk/Asker 3:3 3:4 (AP)
Frisk/Asker vs. Stjernen 7:0
Manglerud/Star vs. Frisk/Asker 2:1
Frisk/Asker vs. Storhamar 2:2 2:3 (OT)
Frisk/Asker vs. Rosenborg 2:2 2:3 (OT)
These are their results the last 6 games, and its a big difference than the seasonstart. Now they will face a hard challenge, Stavanger away. Stavanger has won 6 out of their 8 home games, the two losses are Overtime losses against Valerenga and Sparta, where they have been close but not been able to shut them down.
Frisk has lost 7 of their 8 away games, the win finally came in their last game, after penalties. I wouldnt rate Frisk's success that high though as their wins have been against teams that have struggled at the time. Stavanger has to win these kind of games in order to stay in the top three. This is a perfect opportunity to catch Valerenga, as they will face Sparta away.
H2H, Stavanger are 12-2-2 against Frisk. Two or Three goal win is expected, I dont like the -2.5 line though , as this is their first game after the break.
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