Kristiansund vs Vålerenga Prediction: Both sides struggle for top-tier football

The first leg of the Norway Eliteserien - Relegation Final will take center stage when Kristiansund battle Vålerenga at the Kristiansund Stadion on Wednesday. Below are previews, H2H, expert betting tips, and odds.

After finishing fourth in the Norwegian League's second division during the regular season, Kristiansund earned their way to this stage with a penalty shootout victory over Bryne and a 4-2 victory over Kongsvinger, who finished in third place. They will now face a team with top-class experience in the last stage of qualifying for the top division. With seven victories in their past eight games and a recent playoff run under their belt, Kristiansund should be riding high heading into this 2-legged battle.

Although Vålerenga failed to secure an automatic promotion, their determination to escape relegation is admirable given that they were undefeated in their last three league games. In terms of goals scored, they completed the season ahead of already-relegated Stabaek, and they'll be looking to seal their fate against this second-division outfit.

In this clash, both teams will play aggressively in pursuit of victory; however, the visitors are more likely to come out on top in the end.

• BTTS for 1.60 odds
• W2 for 2.10 odds
• Over 2.5 for 1.67 odds