Sarpsborg’s hiring of Christian Michelsen already looks like a brilliant move from the club, with the Norweigan manager taking over following Stefan Billborn’s departure for IFK Goteborg.

Sarpsborg have picked up 8 points from Michelsen’s first five games in charge and their fixture list has not been easy, containing the likes of Bodo/Glimt, Brann, Rosenborg and Lillestrom. We know from his past managerial record at this level that Michelsen loves his teams to press intensely and counter-attack in order to unsettle his opposition. The form of Henrik Meister has been sensational since the change of manager, with the young Dane netting eight goals in his last five appearances.

Travelling here are a plucky Sandefjord side who love to prove the pundits wrong. Many were writing them off as clear relegation fodder a few weeks ago, but consecutive wins against table-toppers Bodo/Glimt (2-1) and relegation rivals Haugesund (4-3) have propelled them to within touching distance of safety. The visitors did lose star man Danilo Al-Saed to Heerenveen for nearly £900k but Sandefjord have been very active in the transfer market, bringing in five new players to bolster their squad.

Taking over 2.5 goals looks like the most reliable bet of the round in the Eliteserien, with this bet winning in nine of Sarpsborg’s last ten league outings and in eight of Sandefjord’s last ten. Sarpsborg have a clear and definite style under their new manager, while Sandefjord know that they must attack to play to their strengths. A wild encounter full of goals is to be expected.

Until recently, Stromsgodset were on a good run; however, they have lost their last three league matches. Their main problem has been their failure to convert chances. Godset rank seventh for overall xG (22.4) in the Eliteserien this season but have only converted that into 16 goals. Former Hibs striker Elias Melkersen can shoulder some of the blame, having failed to match expectations following his £1m winter move. Melkersen was dropped to the bench last week but could start here, and there is surely more in the Stromsgodset tank if they can take their opportunities. Despite their recent struggles, the hosts have only lost twice at home so far this season.

Brann came from behind to beat Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles in the Conference League qualifiers on Thursday night. The atmosphere was brilliant and it felt like a big moment for the club. Brann now face Scottish opponents St Mirren in the next round and will likely be prioritising that competition. The visitors are winless across their last four league games and have a mixed away record, having drawn half of their games, and this has the potential to be another challenging trip.

Stromsgodset have experienced difficulties in recent weeks, however, this could be a good time to side with them. They are at home and are often at their best as underdogs. Brann are in the middle of a European run and could have a comedown after such an emotional win on Thursday night. The visitors may also be looking ahead to their two fixtures against St Mirren. Manager Jorgen Isnes has enjoyed success in his recent meetings with Brann, holding them to a 0-0 draw in June and beating them 3-0 in this fixture last season. Backing Stromsgodset on the double chance market makes for some appeal against a potentially flat and distracted Brann.

It could be a difficult second half of the season for Kristiansund. Amund Skiri’s side have performed above expectations so far and in a normal season they would probably be five or six points clear of danger; however, they could be in trouble here. Kristiansund don’t have promotion momentum now and have some key long term injuries such as that of defender Max Williamsen.

Kristiansund recently lost a very important player in Sebastian Jarl to second tier Valerenga for around £300k. They have signed some players but Skiri’s squad suddenly looks light, especially at the back. KBK kept a clean sheet against Tromso last week but this will be a tougher task when they face a Lillestrom side with strong attacking options, including the likes of Gjermund Asen and Thomas Lehne Olsen.

This match will be played at a neutral venue in Molde due to damage to Kristiansund’s stadium following a storm in June. Lillestrom have generally travelled well this season, winning in four of their seven trips on the road. Lillestrom have recently lost manager Andreas Georgson to Man United as a set piece coach, with former Varnamo boss Robin Asterhed taking over until the end of the season. Asterhed’s side showed promise in his first game in charge, drawing 2-2 at home against Sarpsborg.

Over 2.5 goals looks a strong bet here. Lillestrom’s matches have been full of goals recently, with their last eight fixtures seeing a minimum of three goals. Lillestrom do lack security at the back, however, they will be confident that they can cause Kristiansund plenty of problems. The previous Kristiansund ‘home’ match played here in Molde resulted in a 3-1 win, and they may have to swing hard offensively again to get something out of the game.