Eliteserien Round 17: Viking Faces an Even More Defensive Opponent, Brann Drifting Away from Title Contention

The 17th round of Norway's Eliteserien continued on the evening of August 4th, with Viking FK taking on HamKam and Strømsgodset facing SK Brann. Viking, fresh off a conservative approach in their last match, secured a victory by exploiting Molde’s fatigue. However, their current opponents, HamKam, are expected to be even more defensive, making Viking's usual strategy of counter-attacks potentially ineffective. Meanwhile, Brann, a smaller club, finds themselves in an unexpected position in the UEFA Europa Conference League but at the expense of their domestic league performance. Maintaining their current standing in the Eliteserien is already a significant achievement for them this season.

HamKam vs. Viking - Patience Is Key

HamKam has shown significant improvement since the European Championship break. In their four matches since the restart, they have secured seven points, temporarily occupying a position just above the relegation zone by goal difference. This season's HamKam is a stark contrast to last year’s team, which conceded 59 goals and had a goal difference of -20. Currently, they have only conceded 18 goals, with a goal difference of 0. This defensive solidity implies that if they concede first, their chances of gaining points are quite low.

In their previous match against Fredrikstad, both teams played very conservatively, each managing only one shot on target. However, Fredrikstad scored from their chance, whereas HamKam's effort was not threatening, resulting in HamKam losing all three points. Notably, HamKam’s two post-break victories were both achieved away from home, where the home team tends to play more aggressively, giving HamKam opportunities to capitalize on counter-attacks.

Viking, on the other hand, seized the opportunity of Bodo/Glimt’s slip-up last round, securing a 1-0 home victory against title rivals Molde. Molde’s participation in the Europa League qualifiers resulted in fatigue, which was a crucial factor in Viking’s win. Molde showed a stronger desire to win from the start, frequently attacking Viking’s penalty area through the flanks and creating two close-range shooting opportunities. Fortunately for Viking, their defenders and goalkeeper displayed exceptional determination, blocking Molde's shots at the last moment.

In the second half, as Molde’s energy waned, Viking’s offensive threat increased, culminating in a 63rd-minute goal by right-back Harald Nilsen Tangen, who found space in Molde’s penalty area and decisively shot into the upper center of the goal. At that moment, Molde's left-back was too tired to recover, leaving Tangen unmarked. Both teams had one more good, but not great, scoring opportunity afterward, which they failed to convert.

In their first encounter this season, Viking triumphed 3-0. Last season, they had a spectacular 7-3 home victory over HamKam, who also managed to defeat Viking at their home ground frequently. In this match, HamKam is expected to perform at a fraction of their potential at home. Viking might struggle to implement their preferred counter-attacking strategy due to HamKam’s conservative approach, potentially limiting Viking’s effectiveness.

Strømsgodset vs. Brann - Difficulties of Dual Competitions for Smaller Clubs

Strømsgodset has been winless for six consecutive matches, losing the last three in a row. Although they remain in the upper half of the league table, they are only two points clear of the relegation zone. Their relegation battle looks challenging, but with six other teams between them and the relegation zone, which are set to face each other in the next two rounds, Strømsgodset is unlikely to drop into the danger zone immediately.

The pattern in Strømsgodset’s recent defeats is strikingly similar: conceding early, then being unable to equalize as their opponents strengthen their defense. Meanwhile, Brann’s involvement in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers saw them advance to the third round, a surprising achievement that has impacted their domestic league form. After drawing in the first leg away against Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles, Brann won the second leg 2-1 at home, overturning an early deficit with a determined performance, including a low shot from inside the box and a header from a corner.

Despite their European heroics, Brann has not won in their last four Eliteserien matches, making it hard to associate them with title contenders. Strømsgodset, who has won their last four home games against Brann, might exploit Brann’s fatigued state to release some attacking potential in this fixture.

Match Analysis and Expectations

HamKam's drastic improvement in defense this season could pose a significant challenge for Viking, who might find it difficult to break down HamKam’s disciplined backline. Viking’s strategy will likely need to adapt, focusing more on maintaining possession and patiently probing for openings rather than relying on quick counter-attacks. The key for HamKam will be to remain solid and wait for opportunities to counter-attack, hoping to snatch a point or even a win if Viking leaves gaps at the back.

On the other hand, Strømsgodset will look to take advantage of Brann’s recent struggles and fatigue from European competition. Brann’s focus on their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign has come at the cost of their domestic form, making them vulnerable. Strømsgodset must capitalize on this, aiming to end their winless streak by exploiting any signs of tiredness or lack of focus in the Brann squad.

As the Eliteserien season progresses, these matches highlight the various tactical adjustments and mental resilience required by teams to navigate the dual pressures of domestic and European competitions. For smaller clubs like Brann, the challenge of balancing league commitments with European aspirations often leads to fluctuating performances. Meanwhile, teams like HamKam, focusing on survival, show that strategic discipline and defensive improvements can significantly alter their fortunes within a single season.

The outcomes of these matches will not only impact the current standings but also provide valuable insights into the strategic adaptability and depth of the squads involved. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how Viking adapts against a defensively solid HamKam and whether Strømsgodset can leverage their home advantage against a potentially fatigued Brann.