Stromsgodset are expecting to have a fully fit squad on Thursday.
SonderjyskE have finally made a breakthrough in their football. They ended last season in a record high 2nd position after finishing 10th for two seasons in a row and having a previous record high finish of 6th in the Danish Superliga. This has earned them qualification to a European competition for the first time in their history, and they will be hoping to make the most of their first leg on Thursday.
They are lacking match fitness a bit after the six week break from competitive football, but they have tried to regain some fitness with recent friendlies against Start and Holstein. Their defeat and draw respectively in these friendlies makes it seven wins, two draws, and two defeats from their last 11 matches.
Stromsgodset have had a more regular involvement than their opponents in European football, but that isn’t saying much. Their 3rd qualifying round exit to Hajduk Split last season was their 3rd consecutive European appearance and their 4th in the last five years. However, before their return to Europe in 2011/12 they hadn’t qualified for the competition since 1998.
Despite their numerous appearances in the Europa League they are yet to reach the group stages, but they have never been eliminated in the 2nd qualifying round. The visitors are in good form coming into this match as well, with five wins and one defeat from their last six matches.
This has taken them to 3rd position in the Norway Eliteserien, but the seven point gap between them and leaders Rosenborg risks getting too big to bridge if they don’t start to gain on them soon.
Stromsgodset have a lot of experience of these aggregate ties and will likely have a better idea of how to deal with them. As such I am expecting them to do well, and their increased match fitness and excellent form is bound to play a part as well. My prediction is for them to get something from this match to give themselves an advantage in the second leg next week, so I’m going for a Stromsgodset Win or Draw Double Chance at 4/6 alongside a 1-1 correct score prediction at 11/2. Watch Live stream free Click Here | Link 2#
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