Two teams pushing to break into the top half of the Norwegian Eliteserien will meet on Sunday as Rosenborg hosts Kristiansund.
Both clubs are heading into this match in poor form and could technically drop into the relegation zone with a loss, depending on other results.
Match preview
It has been six games in all competitions since Rosenborg last won a football match, and that is a run the team needs to bring to an end sooner than later if they want to change their fortunes in the league table.
The Troll Children have dropped to 10th in the table following their recent form, but they were part of a thrilling match on Monday against Tromso.
Despite Jesper Reitan-Sunde giving his team the advantage in the first minute of the game, and Marius Broholm then adding to that, Rosenborg were unable to take all three points.
The two-goal lead was something Alfred Johansson will have expected his men to have seen out, but they collapsed to lose 3-2.
The game itself was indicative of the alarming slide Rosenborg have found themselves on over the past two seasons, with the 26-time Norwegian champions having been well and truly knocked off their perch as the country's main footballing superpower.
Once Champions League regulars, Rosenborg had only finished outside the top five once since 1987 prior to last term, when they limped to a ninth-placed finish.
That was their lowest finish since earning promotion back to the top flight in 1979, but they are now on course to surpass that as they currently sit 10th, although it is still early in the season and those above them in the table are by no means out of reach yet.
By the same token, though, they are one of six teams level on 10 points from eighth to 13th, meaning that only one point separates them from the relegation playoff place - an unthinkable scenario for by far the most successful club in Norwegian football history.
Rosenborg have been stronger at home throughout this season so far, picking up two of their three victories in those games, and that should bring some confidence to the team.
The visitors might sit one place above their opponents in the league table, but given that it is only via goal difference there is very little room for error in this particular match.
Much like Rosenborg, Kristiansund have been out of form lately after failing to win in their previous six games across all competitions which is placing pressure on Amund Skiri.
Kristiansund let a lead slip twice in their most recent outing against Brann and showcasing more concentration is something that will be needed moving forward.
It has been a mixed bag away from home for Skiri's men, who have achieved a victory, one draw, and two defeats so far this season, with the need for more consistency being clear.
However, considering this is Kristiansund's first season back in the top flight, there are plenty of positives for fans to take from the first nine games, as sitting in mid-table is a strong position to be in.
Team News
Rosenborg are expected to continue to be without Jonathan Augustinsson for this game and the foreseeable future due to a knee problem.
Noah Holm has also been unavailable due to fitness concerns in recent months, but the attacking qualities of Broholm and Reitan-Sunde should continue to cause problems.
The visitors are also dealing with an injury problem, as Max Williamsen is expected to be unavailable for the remainder of the campaign due to an ACL problem.
However, Habib Gueye should continue to cause attacking issues for others, while Sebastian Jarl is likely to find his place in the center of midfield.
Rosenborg possible starting lineup:
Tangvik; Reitan, Henriksen, Jenssen, Pereira; Tagseth, Selnaes, Nypan; Broholm, Saeter, Reitan-Sunde
Kristiansund possible starting lineup:
Lansing; Ulvestad, Isaksen, Rakneberg, Jarl; Bruseth, Willumsson, Alte; Gueye, Mikaelsson, Sivertsen
We say: Rosenborg 1-2 Kristiansund
Both teams are out of form heading into this match and that should put some pressure on each of them heading into this game.
Kristiansund have been showcasing good attacking quality at times throughout this season and that could be the difference-maker in this match.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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