Lillestrøm SK vs Tromsø IL Prediction: A draw is possible

Lillestrøm will welcome Tromsø to the Åråsen Stadion on Sunday. Previews, possible starting 11, expert tips, and odds are provided below, as we expect an exciting clash between these two teams.

WLDWD

Lillestrom's current position in the league standings suggests that they have had a decent start to the season, sitting in seventh place with 17 points from 10 matches. Their recent three-match unbeaten run, consisting of two draws and a win, indicates some positive momentum.

Having been eliminated from the NM Cupen in early June, Lillestrom will be eager to return to action and continue their solid form in the league. The three-week break may have provided them with an opportunity to regroup and prepare for their upcoming matches.

In terms of injuries, Lillestrom will be without Lars Ranger and Martin Ove Roseth. While Roseth, a center-back, may not have had a significant impact on Lillestrom's results this season, the absence of Ranger, an important midfielder with three assists in 2023, could be felt.

Fortunately for Lillestrom, they have a capable replacement in Eskil Edh to fill in for Ranger in midfield. This provides some reassurance that they have suitable alternatives to maintain their performance level.

LWWWW

Tromso's recent form in the league has been impressive, with four consecutive victories and seven wins in total out of their 11 matches, along with two draws and two losses. Their most recent cup match ended in a 3-2 defeat against the league leaders, but their focus will now be on continuing their positive league campaign.

One significant positive for Tromso is their ability to score goals, as they have managed to score two or more goals in each of their last four league matches. This is a promising sign for coach Gaute Helstrup, considering their overall goal tally of 16 this season, with nine of those goals coming in the past four games.

Furthermore, Tromso boasts the best away record in the league, remaining undefeated on the road with four wins and a draw. Their defensive stats in away matches are also commendable, with just four goals conceded in five games. This solid away form should provide them with confidence as they prepare to face Lillestrom.

While Tromso has struggled to defeat Lillestrom in their recent encounters, with three draws and a loss, the importance of securing a victory in this match cannot be overstated. With other top teams like Brann and Viking facing lower-ranked opponents, a win is crucial for Tromso to maintain their position in the top three of the league.

In terms of injuries, Tromso will be without Lasse Nielsen and Runar Norheim, who are not considered vital players for the squad. Hilmir Mikaelsson, a talented forward, is questionable for the match against Lillestrom. His potential return would be significant for Tromso, as he has already made an impact with two assists in just three appearances before his injury.

Lillestrom - Mads Hedenstad Christiansen, Espen Garnas, Ruben Gabrielsen, Philip Slørdahl, Eskil Edh, Vebjørn Hoff, Magnus Knudsen, Vetle Dragsnes, Ylldren Ibrahimaj, Gjermund Asen, Akor Adams.

Tromso - Simon Thomas, Jostein Gundersen, Casper Oyvann, Christophe Psyche, Niklas Vesterlund, Ruben Jenssen, Kent-Are Antonsen, Sakarias Opsahl, Daniel Bassi, Yaw Paintsil, Vegard Erlien.

In recent games, the home team has proven to be a formidable opponent, despite the fact that the away team has shown signs of improvement in front of the net. This has always been a close matchup; the past four times these two teams met, the game ended in a tie after 90 minutes.

So I expect a tie with both sides finding the back of the net.

• BTTS for 1.80 odds
• Over 2.5 for 1.84 odds
• X for 4.00 odds