Two sides operating at opposing ends of the Norwegian Eliteserien table are set to clash on Wednesday when fifth-placed Fredrikstad host 16th-placed FK Haugesund at the Nye Fredrikstad Stadion.
The hosts could move into the top four with a victory, while the visitors could move as high as 11th if they are to take all three points.
Match preview
© Imago
Fredrikstad are having a sensational first campaign back in the Norwegian top flight since their relegation in 2012, sitting fifth in the table with 28 points from 17 fixtures.
With just under half the season remaining, they are still firmly in the race for the European places, trailing fourth-placed Molde by only three points and with a game in hand over all their competitors.
They have had to deal with the departure of manager Mikkjal Thomassen, who oversaw the side's promotion into the division last year, who moved to Swedish side AIK, leaving Andreas Hagen to take charge.
Hagen has managed to improve the side's fortunes in his three matches as manager, ending a run of six games without victory with a 1-0 win against HamKam in his first fixture, followed by draws in the following two outings.
While Fredrikstad have been hard to beat at their home ground this year, losing just one match at the Nye Fredrikstad Stadion, they will be looking to end a run of four consecutive draws when playing at their own stadium.
Their opponents come into this game sat at the bottom of the division with just 17 points, but they could move as high as 11th if they are to take all three points from this one.
Sancheev Manoharan had an immediate positive effect upon becoming manager in May, ending a three-game losing streak with a draw and a win in his first two matches in charge.
That improved form continued in the following six outings with two wins and a draw, but they have slipped back down to the foot of the league table with three consecutive defeats heading into Wednesday's game.
Manoharan will be desperate for his side to put together a strong run of results in the remainder of the campaign as he looks to save Haugesund's place in the Eliteserien for a 16th successive year.
The visitors have not won an away game in six competitive matches prior to Wednesday's encounter, but they have triumphed in two of the last three meetings between these two sides.
Team News
The hosts will be boosted by the return of Maxwell Woldezi after the defender served a one-match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards in their last outing.
Patrick Metcalfe could be a doubt for the side after the midfielder was taken off in the 61st minute of their draw with KFUM Oslo due to an injury concern.
Fredrikstad will once again be looking to top scorer Morten Bjorlo for the goals, with the midfielder netting eight times in 15 league appearances this term, including goals in two of his last three matches.
Haugesund may be without up to four players with Anders Baertelsen, Claus Niyukuri and Martin Samuelsen all expected to be out until later this month, while Amund Wichne is out for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Having scored just 18 times in the league, the joint-fewest of any side, the visitors will be relying on Morten Agnes Konradsen, Sondre Liseth and Julius Eskesen to improve their efficiency in front of goal.
Fredrikstad possible starting lineup:
Fischer; Aukland, Kvile, Skaret; Eid, Sorlokk, Magnusson, Bjorlo, Molde; Johansen, Traore
FK Haugesund possible starting lineup:
Selvik; Hope, Fischer, Fredriksen, Krusnell; Leite, Bizoza, Tounekti; Konradsen, Liseth, Eskesen
We say: Fredrikstad 2-0 FK Haugesund
Despite winning only one of their last eight league games, the hosts boast the best defensive record in the league with just 16 goals conceded, while the visitors have scored the joint-fewest with 18, suggesting a win and clean sheet for the hosts.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
