Fredrikstad vs Bodo/Glimt Prediction: Bodo/Glimt will dominate the game

The defending champions, Bodo/Glimt, will commence their title defense as they travel to the Nye Fredrikstad Stadion on Monday to take on newcomers, Fredrikstad. Notably, Fredrikstad have scored in 37 of their last 38 games. Can their attacking spirit earn them a point or more in this clash? Below are previews, predicted starting lineups, expert betting tips, and odds.

Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad make a triumphant return to the top flight of Norwegian football after more than a decade since their last appearance in the premier league. Their promotion comes on the heels of a superb performance in the second division, where they topped the table with an impressive 64 points from 30 games, scoring 50 goals and conceding 23.

Since the conclusion of their last league game, Fredrikstad have been actively engaged in preseason preparations, participating in various tournaments. Despite suffering narrow defeats, such as a 2-1 loss to Lillestrom and a 1-0 defeat against Real Salt Lake in the Atlantic Cup, they have showcased resilience and readiness for the upcoming challenges.

Notably, Fredrikstad are currently enjoying a seven-game unbeaten streak. However, they face their toughest test yet as they prepare to host Glimt, the reigning champions and a formidable opponent.

Bodo/Glimt

Bodo/Glimt clinched the league title last season in dominant fashion, accumulating 70 points from 30 games and boasting an impressive goal difference of 78 scored and 38 conceded. They finished a notable nine points clear of the second-placed team, Brann. However, their quest for a domestic double was thwarted by a 1-0 loss to Molde in the NM Cup final.

Following their league triumph, Bodo/Glimt showcased their strength in the group phases of the conference Cup, although their journey was halted in the round of 16 by Ajax, who secured a 4-3 aggregate victory. Since the conclusion of the previous season, their performance has been somewhat mixed, with just three victories across all competitions.

As they prepare to defend their title, Bodo/Glimt will face a familiar opponent in Fredrikstad, a team they encountered during their time in the second division. With their rich experience and formidable squad, the defending champions will be determined to start their campaign on a strong note and maintain their status as one of the top teams in the league.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Fredrikstad: Jonathan Fischer, Maxwell Woledzi, Philip Aukland, Sigurd Kvile, Stian Molde, Julius Magnusson, Morten Björlo, Sondre Sørløkk, Patrick Metcalfe, Oscar Aga, Mai Traore.

Bodo/Glimt: Kjetil Haug, Brice Wembangomo, Brede Moe, Jostein Gundersen, Fredrik Bjørkan, Ulrik Saltnes, Patrick Berg, Albert Gronbaek, Sondre Sørli, Jens Petter Hauge, Daniel Bassi.

Expert Betting Tips

Bodo/Glimt, as the reigning champions, undoubtedly hold the upper hand heading into this clash and are widely regarded as the favorites to emerge victorious. Despite their less-than-convincing performances in preseason fixtures, their pedigree and quality make them a strong contender for the win.

Nevertheless, Fredrikstad's impressive scoring record, having found the net in 37 of their last 38 games across all competitions. This suggests that they are more than capable of posing a threat to Bodo/Glimt's defense.

Considering both teams' attacking capabilities, it's reasonable to expect goals from both sides. Therefore, opting for both teams to score as a secondary option seems like a prudent choice. Furthermore, with the potential for an open and high-scoring affair between two attacking-minded teams, selecting over 2.5 goals as a final option provides an additional avenue for potential returns.