Vålerenga Fotball travel to Åråsen for a key relegation clash against Lillestrøm on Sunday 12 September at 16:00. The Oslo-based side are in poor form, having failed to win any of their last five matches, a trend they must reverse to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation battle.
Worrying Form
The latest result for Vålerenga was a 2-2 draw away to Sarpsborg 08 FF last weekend. It was a match where they came back from 2-0 down, but the point did little to improve the overall picture. Their last five games have yielded zero wins, two draws and three defeats. The sequence DLDLL, most recent first, shows a team struggling for consistency in key moments.
- We haven't performed at the level we should, and it's clear we need to improve, says Vålerenga manager Geir Bakke., Lillestrøm are a tough opponent at home, but we have a squad that can win this game.
Last Lineup and Injuries
Against Sarpsborg, Vålerenga lined up with Oscar Hedvall in goal. The defence consisted of Henrik Sjatil, Aleksander Olsen, Simen Jarl and Kolbeinn Finnsson. In midfield were Oskar T. Holm, Magnus Westergaard, Conrad Lange and Lasse Haren, with the duo Daniel Gjengaar and Ghayas Zahid up front. This squad will likely form the basis against Lillestrøm too. On the injury front, the team are still without Magnus Sjoeng and Fredrik Ambina, limiting Bakke's options. An updated squad list is available on our squad page.
History and Stakes
The two sides last met in April this year, when Lillestrøm won 2-0 at the Intility Arena. Another defeat at Åråsen would put Vålerenga in a difficult position in the table. Lillestrøm themselves are coming off a 2-1 away win against Brann, which gives them confidence. For Vålerenga, this is about rediscovering basic strengths and defensive solidity. The match is broadcast live on TV 2 Sport 1. Following Sunday's game, there is an international break, giving the team time to address any shortcomings before the next challenge.
