Viking vs Ham-Kam
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<html> <head><title>Viking vs HamKam: Form, Odds, Key Battles</title></head> <body> <h2>Viking vs HamKam – Title-chasing hosts eye another statement win</h2> <p>SR-Bank Arena hosts a classic top-vs-mid clash on Saturday as league leaders Viking welcome an improving but travel-shy HamKam. The atmosphere in Stavanger has been electric throughout an outstanding home campaign: Viking boast 10 wins from 13 at the venue, scoring 35 and conceding just 14. With Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim’s side riding a 10-match unbeaten league run, they enter as short-priced favourites.</p> <h3>Form and momentum</h3> <p>Viking’s recent run is authoritative. They’ve taken 20 points from their last eight matches, producing 2.63 goals per game with a tighter defence than their season baseline. Wins over Brann (3-0), Tromsø (3-1 away) and a dominant 5-1 cup routine showcase the blend of intensity and control that has underpinned their title push.</p> <p>HamKam have quietly improved in the last month with three straight league wins and 13 points from their last eight. Victories over Sandefjord (3-1), Kristiansund (3-1 away) and Vålerenga (2-1) have eased relegation concerns. Still, their away record remains a worry: only 1.00 points per game on the road, just 1.08 goals scored per game, and they’ve failed to score in nearly half of their away fixtures.</p> <h3>Probable lineups and team news</h3> <p><strong>Viking (predicted):</strong> Klaesson; Heggheim, Bærtelsen, Falchener, Haugen; Bell, Askildsen; Svendsen, Tripic, Alte; Peter Christiansen. Winger Yann-Erik de Lanlay remains out, but the spine is intact and in rhythm.</p> <p><strong>HamKam (predicted):</strong> Sandberg; Mares, Sjølstad, Granath, Ekeroth; Roaldsøy, Sørås, Simenstad; Snorre Strand Nilsen; Mawa, Lien. Halvor Opsahl is unavailable, trimming defensive depth.</p> <h3>Tactical picture</h3> <p>Expect Viking to set a high tempo from the off, with Joe Bell dictating the midfield and connecting quickly to Zlatko Tripic and Sander Svendsen between the lines. Peter Christiansen’s movement across the front line has been a constant headache for back threes and fours alike, and his finishing form (14 league goals) demands attention. Viking’s set-piece threat has also trended upward; HamKam must be robust against second phases.</p> <p>Thomas Myhre’s HamKam should sit compact, springing Lien and Mawa on the break. The issue is sustaining pressure: away from home they struggle to turn transitions into sustained territory, and their second-half drop-off—especially between 46-60 minutes—has been costly. If they concede first, the numbers are brutal: just 0.14 PPG away when falling behind.</p> <h3>Key battles</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Bell vs Sørås/Simenstad:</strong> Midfield control. Bell’s progressive passing and work rate have elevated Viking’s tempo and helped suffocate counter-threats.</li> <li><strong>Christiansen vs central unit:</strong> The Dane’s off-shoulder runs and penalty-box craft test HamKam’s positioning; any hesitation invites shots on target.</li> <li><strong>Set pieces:</strong> Viking’s delivery versus HamKam’s clearances—an area where the visitors have wavered late in games.</li> </ul> <h3>Numbers that matter</h3> <ul> <li>Viking home: 2.46 PPG, 77% wins, lead-defending 77%.</li> <li>HamKam away: 1.00 PPG, failed to score in 46%.</li> <li>Second half bias: Viking 57% of goals after HT; HamKam away GA significantly higher after the break.</li> </ul> <h3>Odds and angles</h3> <p>Bookmakers price the hosts around 1.30 ML. The value, however, sits in derivative markets: - Viking -1 (1.80) aligns with a 7/10 multi-goal win profile at home and HamKam’s limited away equalizing (25%). - Win to Nil (2.50) leverages that 46% away FTS rate. - Highest Scoring Half – 2nd (1.83) meshes with both sides’ timing patterns.</p> <p>For a player angle, Peter Christiansen Anytime at 1.80 is attractive considering his recent scoring rhythm and volume shooting. Weather (cool, possibly slick) should favour the more technically secure side—Viking—to keep the ball moving quickly and create multiple high-quality chances.</p> <h3>Verdict</h3> <p>HamKam’s recent uptick earns respect, but the matchup and venue strongly favour Viking. Expect the leaders to assert control, tilt the xG through sustained pressure, and pull away after the interval.</p> <p><strong>Projected score:</strong> Viking 3-0 HamKam.</p> </body> </html>
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