KFUM Oslo are set to host last-placed Sandefjord at the KFUM Arena on Sunday in Norway's Eliteserien.
After 10 games the home side are seventh in the table with 14 points and are six from the Europa League qualification spots, while the visitors are in 16th with eight points but are just two from safety.
Match preview
The hosts were promoted to the top flight for the first time in their history last year, and while they are only four points from the relegation zone, they have given themselves a good chance of survival by opening up a gap to their rivals.
In fact, they are only six points from Molde, who occupy the division's final Europa League qualification spot, but this gap could be reduced to just three if they were to win their game in hand.
KFUM have only lost twice in the league this season and those losses came against sixth-placed Stromsgodset and third-placed Fredrikstad.
Last year's successful promotion push was manager Johannes Moesgaard's first season in charge, and though his side are averaging about 0.5 points less per game this year, their current trajectory of 42 points would have been enough to secure a seventh-placed finish in the Eliteserien in 2023.
Interestingly, KFUM have been able to secure positive results even against the division's best teams, as evidenced by their 0-0 draw earlier in April against second-placed Brann as well as their 2-2 draw against league leaders Bodo/Glimt on May 24.
In their previous seven matches they have won three, drawn three and lost just once, and as a result can be said to be in decent form.
Meanwhile, Sunday's opponents Sandefjord have lost four of their previous seven matches, winning twice and drawing once in this period.
The visitors drew their most recent match against Bodo/Glimt but this impressive draw was preceded by a run of three straight losses.
Sandefjord's away record has also been particularly poor, losing 22 of their last 28 away games, and they are yet to win on the road this season.
Manager Andreas Tegstrom's side have hovered around the relegation zone since gaining promotion to the top flight in 2019, but their current record of 0.8 points per game would see them end 2024 with their joint-lowest total since 2015, a year when they were relegated.
Having said that, Tegstrom will be relieved that with 20 matches still left to play his side are at least within reach of safety, given they are only two points from 13th-placed Kristiansund, who are only above the relegation playoff spot due to goal difference.
Team News
The hosts are likely to be without Mathias Tonnessen against Sandefjord due to a knee injury, but he is expected to return in early June.
Top scorer Johannes Hummelvoll-Nunez will be looking to add to his tally of four league goals and can be expected to lead the line.
On the other hand, the away side will be without Filip Loftesnes-Bjune as a result of his knee injury, but on a more positive note he is expected to return in early June.
Elsewhere, Sandefjord forward Darrell Tibell could also miss Sunday's encounter due to a knock.
KFUM Oslo possible starting lineup:
Odegaard; Hoseth, Akinyemi, A Aleesami, H Aleesami, Gyedu; Svindland, Hestnes, Rasch, Dahl; Nunez
Sandefjord possible starting lineup:
Keto; Pedersen, Berglie, Kristiansen, Egeli; Risan, Ottosson, Amin; Dunsby, Al-Saed, Ruud Tveter
We say: KFUM Oslo 2-1 Sandefjord
Although Sandefjord are not cut adrift at the bottom of the table their away record is particularly concerning, and they could struggle once again on Sunday.
Additionally, KFUM have proved to be resilient and difficult to beat, and they should be confident they can secure a positive result.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Lewis Nolan
