Tippeligaen 2011 - Review and Predictions

The Norwegian Premier League, fondly known as Tippeligaen by the people who pour money into it, is ready to entertain you. Slightly. What follows is a complete stab in the da...accurate analysis of the 15 teams likely to compete for 2^nd place. And Rosenborg. 

Well, even a 23rd league victory for the Trondheim side is not inevitable this season, with the full outcome more uncertain than a Norwegian central midfielder in possession of the ball. The top four teams in the predicted table below all have a genuine chance to lift the league trophy, with not a single team below them being easy to place in the league standings. 

So here goes nothing...

1. Rosenborg
2. Viking
3. Molde
4. Vålerenga
5. Lillestrøm
6. Tromsø
7. Fredrikstad
8. Stabæk
9. Brann 
10. Strømsgodset
11. Odd Grenland
12. Haugesund
13. Start
14. Sogndal 
15.  Aalesund
16. Sarpsborg 08

 

No.1 –Rosenborg

One defeat the last two seasons, including going unbeaten all last year. Jan Jönsson has taken over as coach and the Swede inherits a thinner squad than his predessors, including losing the league's best player, Anthony Annan, to Scahlke 04. Still formidable in all areas, but face a tougher challenge this year than the two previous seasons.

Key player: Rade Pricia

Former Sunderland striker who has an average of 0.6 goals a game tfor the club. Need to deliver and stay injury-free throughout the season, especially with Steffen Iversen havng left for Crystal Palace.

Scouts watching: Markus Henriksen (18)

Had his breakthrough season last year,  with 7 goals from a central midfield position and his first Norway cap. A complete player who should influence Norwegian football in years to come.

No. 2 – Viking

Great coach  in former Norway boss Åge Hareide. Large squad with an excellent mix of experience and very promising talent. 20 years since last league championship...

Key player: Birkir Bjarnason.

Skillful Icelandic midfielder who both provides and score goals; 8 last season is an impressive tally.  Energetic influence on team, andhas a terrific engine to underpin his technical abilties.

Scouts Watching: Valon Berisha (18)

Fantastic prospect who can play across the forward line. Quick, skilful and energetic. One of the biggest Norwegian talents in years,  who will hopefully have his breakthrough season.

No.3 –Molde

Ole Gunnar is back in Molde with hs first senior managerial job. Very solid goalkeeper, and an impressive and balanced midfield. Plenty of options in attack, but do lack that one reliant and consistent goal scorer. Defensive injuries a worry, especially at centre-half.

Key Player: Makhtar Thioune

On top form he can be the best attacking player in the league. Great vision and skillful dribbler, will be pulling all the strings from his attacking midfield position.

Scouts Watching: Magnus Wolff-Eikrem (20)

Brought back by Solskjær after four years in the Man United youth set up and reserves. Itching to prove himself in senior football, and will play his part in a great Molde midfield line-up, whose attacking intent will suit him perfectly.

No. 4. - Vålerenga

Second place last season, largely due to a very impressive attacking style. Loses too many games, need to start winning ugly to become a genuine contender. Very much a challenger for the title.

Key Player: Kristofer Hæstad

Combative midfielder and the heartbeat of team. Has the energy and quickness to influence play in all parts of the pitch.

Scouts Watching: Håvard Nielsen (17)

A very promising striker, regarded as one of Norway’s great hopes for the future. Became Vålerenga’s youngest ever player at 16. Strong, quick and good with both feet.

No. 5 - Lillestrøm

Had three seasons way below usual expectations. Henning Berg's side is, unsurpringsly, very solid defensively. Creative spark is needed this season to progress up the table, as they are still too reliant on set-pieces to provide the goals.

Key player: Frode Kippe

Former Liverpool reserve player, has a decade later matured into an experienced, imposing centre-half and a natural leader. 7 goals last season, and will again play an integral part in front of both goals.

Scouts watching: Anthony Ujah (20)

Topscorer with 14 goals last season, very impressive for a side that finished tenth. If he can continue that form, a move to a bigger league surely beckons for the Nigerian striker

No. 6 - Tromsø

Solid, organised and effective, with a very experienced coach. Came 3rd last year but have not improved squad, especially compared to closest rivals.

Key Player: Ruben Yttergård Jenssen.

The creative spark in midfield. Finally broke into the national team last season, and still only 22. Could have a big season ahead of him.

Scouts watching: Kara Mbodj (21)

Patrick Viera is an lazy comparison, but not necessarily wrong. Still don’t have the offensive qualities to fill those boots, but has the potential. Won't stay in Tromsø for long.

No. 7 – Fredrikstad

Promoted team with genuine potential, both for playing great football and self-combusting spectacularly - on and off the pitch.

Key Player: Tarik Elyounoussi

The former prodigy of Norwegian football is back after 3 frustrating and disappointing years at Herenveen. Immensely talented and creative. Only 23 years so still plenty of time to kick-start career, but is his old club a big enough stage?

Scouts Watching: Celso Borges (22)

Striker and captain of Costa Rican national team with 21goals in 47 games for Fredrikstad. Will his major European breakthrough come this season? Can certainly form a terrifying attack with Elyounoussi.

No. 8 -Stabæk

Dreadful and way below expectations last season. Tiny squad but has a fantastic midfield and a new, promising coach. Very unpredictable.

Key player: Henning Hauger

Norwegian international midfielder. Great engine and quick feet, is vital to the team but there is uncertainty around his contract which expires after this season.

Scouts Watching: Mikkel 'Mix' Diskerud (20)

Creative midfielder who has already established himself as a regular in the first team. American mother,and Norwegian father, but has already declared for USA, with a couple of caps in friendly games.

Nr. 9 – Brann

The aristocrate of Norwegian football, and truly the marmite of the league. Terrible last season and has lost its biggest stars, which may not be a bad thing in Bergen. Tipped for another struggle this season, but Brann never follows the script.

Key player: Håkon Opdal

Exerienced goalkeeper who most show more leadership and less mistakes to go with his usual great shot-stopping abilities.

Scouts watching: Nico Mezquida (19)

Uruguayan striker signed very late in pre-season. Top scorer in the 2007 South-American U15 championship. Quite a left-field signing, but an exciting gamble none the less.

No. 10 – Strømsgodset

Reigning cup winners. Has a very talented squad and admirable philosophy of quick, offensive football. But is there too much pressure on young shoulders for the team to advance further?

Key player: Ola Kamara

Has all the attributes of a great striker except for consistent finishing. Still only 21, and will be undisputed first choice this season. With it comes the pressure to deliver regularly.

Scouts watching: Lars Sætra (19)

Versatile and commanding centre-half. Established himself in Strømsgodset’s starting line-up and Norwegian U-19 national team last season.

No. 11 - Odd Grenland

Overachieved last season and have lost offensive firepower this year. Reliant on a veteran striker and a very young goalkeeper.

Key player: Frode Johnsen

Back in his home club after 5 years in Japan. Excellent professional, and is expected to lead the line at age 37.

Scouts Watching: Torgeir Børven (19)

Great all-round striker who can also play wide in the attacking line. 8 goals last season, 4 of them in one game.

No. 12 – Haugesund

Sensational last season as promoted team. Face the usual tricky second season but should have enough quality and spirit to survive.

Key player: Nikola Djurdjic

Former Serbian U21 striker. Scored 12 goals in 27 games  last year. Another big season can save Haugesund and bring him a move to bigger club or league.

Scouts watching: Joakim Våge Nilsen (19)

Regular left-back for Huagesund over the last two seasons. Consistent and reliant beyond his young age.

No.13 – Start

Very attractive offensively, but often calamitous in defence and haven’t strengthen either before season. The board has confirmed that coach Tørum’s contract is not being extended after this season, which can do nothing but disrupt morale.

Key player: Birger Madsen

Centre-half  signed from Vålerenga. Been a journeyman for several years, must step up a level and become the defensive lynchpin the team sorely needs.

Scouts Watching: Ernest Asante (22)

Extremely fast winger/striker signed from Belgium league. Should fit Start's style perfectly.

No.14 – Sogndal

Home of all the Flos. With a population of only 7000 the tiny village most by Europe’s greatest footballing talent machine per capita. Has a very experienced coach, and an admirable policy of finding, nurturing and playing regional talent. Promoted as champions and has got a fighting chance.

Key Player: Eirik Bakke

Yes, formerly of Leeds and finally returning to his home club. Still a very good player and his massive experience will help a young team. Still has point  to prove in league after his tumultuous time at Brann

Scouts watching: Even Hovland (22)

Centre-half who has had trials with Man United. Norway U21 regular, who is finally going to be tested on a higher level in Tippeligaen. Should have a great future in Norwegian football.

No. 15 – Aalesunds FK

Overachieved with 4^th place last year. Lost their goalkeeper to Man United and top scorer to J-league. Going through big changes and left with a very young team; could go very wrong.

Key player: Amund Skiri

Very experienced defender, only one of two players over 27 years in the entire squad. Needs to lead by example and bring calmness and leadership to team.

Scouts Watching: Petter Orry Larsen (21)

Another former Man United trialist. Is this season he blossoms into a complete, commanding midfielder? Aalesund very much needs him to do deliver.

No. 16 - Sarpsborg 08

Promoted team.  Great football town, finally back at highest level. Has a sensible financial model and very  positive tactics.Straight back down or will they be Norway's Blackpool this season?

Key Player: Martin Wiig

Great movement and a good finisher. Has to finally prove himself on a bigger stage.

Scouts watching: Magnar Ødegaard (17)

Offensive fullback who already has 37 appearances for the club in the 2nd tier.