Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg 08 meet at Fredrikstad Stadion for the third Østfold derby of the season. The teams have already exchanged 2–1 victories, with Fredrikstad winning in the cup before Sarpsborg took revenge in the first league meeting.

Only two points separate the clubs in the Eliteserien table. Fredrikstad sit eighth with 26 points, while Sarpsborg are ninth with 24, making this an important match for both local pride and league position.

Fredrikstad return home after a strong run

Fredrikstad’s four-match winning streak ended with a 2–1 defeat against Bodø/Glimt. The result was disappointing, but losing narrowly against the league leaders should not take away from the progress they made during August.

Before that defeat, Fredrikstad beat Sandefjord, Start and Kristiansund without conceding before producing an impressive 4–1 victory away against Lillestrøm. Their defence was central to that run, with three consecutive 1–0 victories showing that they can protect narrow leads.

Fredrikstad now return home, where they have won five league matches this season. Sondre Sørløkk and Sigurd Kvile are expected to miss the derby through injury.

Sarpsborg have struggled to turn draws into victories

Sarpsborg arrive unbeaten in their previous two matches, but both ended level. They followed a goalless draw away against Tromsø with a 2–2 draw at home to Vålerenga.

The visitors have been difficult to beat, but victories have also been difficult to find. Their last five away matches have produced one win, two draws and two defeats.

Sarpsborg earned impressive results away against Brann and Molde earlier in the season, showing that they can compete with strong opposition. Recent trips to Kristiansund and Tromsø both ended 0–0, however, suggesting this derby could become another close contest.

Peter Reinhardsen, Frederik Carstensen and Sigurd Rosted are listed among Sarpsborg’s unavailable players.

Two derbies have produced two late winners

Fredrikstad won the first derby of the year 2–1 in the Norwegian Cup. Sarpsborg responded with a 2–1 league victory in May, but they needed a Victor Halvorsen goal deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback.

Fredrikstad had taken the lead through a long throw before Sarpsborg equalised shortly before half-time. Very little separated the teams, and another competitive match should be expected at Fredrikstad Stadion.

Verdict

Fredrikstad enter the derby with the stronger recent form. They won four consecutive league matches before pushing Bodø/Glimt close, while Sarpsborg have won only one of their previous five away games.

A home victory is still far from guaranteed. Sarpsborg have already beaten Fredrikstad this season and have collected points from difficult away matches against Brann, Molde and Tromsø.

The draw therefore needs to be protected. Fredrikstad’s home advantage and defensive improvement make them difficult to oppose, while the double-chance market also covers another tight derby ending level.

Tip

Double chance: Fredrikstad/Draw