Only one point separates Ranheim and Egersund ahead of their meeting at EXTRA Arena. Egersund sit eighth with 29 points, while Ranheim are directly behind them with 28.

Both teams remain close enough to challenge for a place in the promotion play-offs, making this an important match in a very tight section of the OBOS-ligaen table.

Ranheim return home looking for three points

Ranheim have been difficult to predict this season. They have produced some strong attacking performances at EXTRA Arena, but defensive problems have prevented them from climbing higher in the table.

The hosts have conceded in most of their home matches, often leaving themselves with too much work to do. Their attacking numbers are still encouraging, and they have enough quality to cause Egersund problems.

Home advantage could be important in such an even contest. Ranheim have won five league matches at EXTRA Arena this season and should approach this game believing they can move above Egersund with another victory.

However, their recent record against Friday’s opponents is poor. Ranheim have won only two of the previous seven meetings and were beaten 3–0 when the teams met in Egersund earlier this season.

Egersund have enjoyed this fixture

Egersund made an excellent start to the reverse fixture, taking the lead after only 30 seconds through Oscar Kapskarmo. Scott Vatne added a second before Nicolaj Tornvig Hansen completed a 3–0 victory late in the match.

That result continued Egersund’s impressive record against Ranheim. They have won four of the last seven meetings and have scored at least twice in each of the previous five.

Recent form has been less convincing, however. Egersund enter this match without a victory in their last five league games and have won only twice away from home this season.

The visitors still carry a clear attacking threat. Kapskarmo has already caused Ranheim problems, while Egersund’s direct style can expose a home defence that regularly gives opponents chances.

This fixture usually produces goals

The recent meetings between these teams have been packed with goals. Six of the previous seven have finished with over 2.5 goals, including scorelines of 3–2, 4–3, 4–0 and 2–2.

Egersund have scored 18 goals across those seven matches, while Ranheim have found the net eleven times. Only one of the meetings finished with fewer than three goals.

The defensive records also support another open match. Ranheim have struggled to keep clean sheets at EXTRA Arena, while Egersund have conceded regularly on their travels.

Both teams are sitting just outside the promotion play-off places and need a victory. A draw does little for either side, which should encourage them to attack rather than settle for one point.

Choosing a winner is difficult because Ranheim have home advantage, while Egersund have dominated the recent meetings. The goals market offers a better option.

Verdict

Ranheim should create chances at home, but their defensive record makes them difficult to trust. Egersund are without a win in five league matches, yet their excellent record in this fixture cannot be ignored.

The last few meetings suggest we could see another entertaining game. A 2–1 result either way or a 2–2 draw would not be surprising.

Tip

Over 2.5 Goals