The Norwegian side started as a big favorite to win the match and overcome the tie after losing 2-1 in the first leg. For this reason and knowing that the difference in level between one team and another is tremendous, we believe that the Norwegians can get ahead early on the scoreboard and win even the first half. Remember that the Norirlandeses are combative in different areas of the field, they can end up losing due to errors caused by the Norwegian offensive. In addition to forgetting that the local factor can also influence in favor of the “Nordics”, providing greater tranquility and spaces to make goal plays.
The Norwegians lost the first leg incredibly against a rival who could be classified as semi-professional. It is enough to know that the triumph of the Northern Irishmen paid twenty times what was waged to corroborate this affirmation. The most striking of all is that the “blue” began winning the match 0-1, then receive the equalizer a minute later. Then came the second half and with it the second goal of his rival, which was achieved despite having 39% possession of the ball, few shots on goal and only one corner in favor (8 of Molde). When it seemed that the historic 2-1 for Glenavon was about to materialize, a penalty kick came in favor of the visit with 4 minutes remaining for the final whistle. However, Aursnes failed and with that he allowed a very high quota to come to fruition.
For this match, the Nordics are expected to come out with the best they have to overcome a series that in the past seemed simple to overcome. The logic indicates that the technician Ole Gunnar Solskjaer maintains the 4-3-3 system that has benefited him so much in the Norwegian league (3rd place with 29 points and 6 of the leader Brann). Of course, strikers Hestad, Haland and Strand have to appear much more and cause the Norirlandeses to play badly and fail to score. A detail to consider the “blue” squad is that it has added 7 wins and 2 losses in the 9 games played at home for domestic competition. The most surprising of all is the large number of goals scored and the few that have given in their fence (23 in favor and 7 against). He has won 2-0 Strömsgodset, to overcome 3-1 to Start, to beat 3-1 to Stabaek and to beat 5-1 to Valerenga.
Glenavon:
The Northern Ireland made history last week by beating a rival who in theory was tremendously superior. However, despite their limitations, they managed to score 2 goals and defend the lead with everything until the final whistle. Now his goal is to get the classification to the next stage of the Europa League, beyond what is unlikely for the bookmakers. The task will be very difficult to crystallize, as the Norwegians are known to be offensive and intense midfield forward. Considering this, it should not surprise us that Glenavon has retreated his lines since the initial stage and that he has scored with 5 men in defense. At home he used a 4-4-2 system, but now it is expected that coach Hamilton decides to change and use a more conservative 5-4-1.
Continuing with the analysis, you should know that the Norirlandeses played several friendlies in preparation to arrive in the best way to this European competition. Of course, the rivals he faced were of little hierarchy in level of demand. Therefore, it should not surprise us that he has won all consecutively (0-1 to Stranraer, 0-1 to Coleraine, 0-2 to Loughgall and 0-5 to PSNI). In summary, we can conclude that Glenavon is the best team in Northern Ireland, enough to dominate having many players from that country. The only foreigners on the roster are 3 Irish and 1 Scottish only. In any case, they will try to resist what they can most in their visit to the Aker Stadion.
The meeting held last Wednesday was the first played by Norwegians and norirlandeses officially.
PREDICTION: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.40
