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Sparta – Stavanger

PICK: Game Total Over 5.5 @ 1.80 (Expekt)

Sparta has not played as well as they did during the start of the season. They are still placed first in the league, although only one point ahead of Valerenga. This game is important for both teams; Stavanger is only 6 points away from Sparta with one less game played. If Stavanger wins this, they are in a good position to be a top contender for the first spot.

Sparta’s defense has been their main problem lately, and recently, they’ve had troubles scoring, although their results does not show that, but with the chances they’ve gotten during those games there could’ve been a lot of more goals. This have to come to an end soon though, as many people say that Sparta’s losses has been unlucky, although having a lack of defensive play.

Both of these teams have had very tough schedules after the break, just look at Sparta’s last four matches.

05/12-10 - Lorenskog vs. Sparta 3:4

02/12-10 - Sparta vs. Lillehammer 2:5

30/11-10 - Vaalerenga vs. Sparta 3:4 (SO)

28/11-10 - Stjernen vs. Sparta 1:2

There’s not much to say about the games, no big upsets at all. But you can clearly see that Sparta’s defense has been very questionable comparing to their other games during the start of the season. Overall though, I believe that Sparta are quite satisfied winning the Derby game against Stjernen, and finally defeating Valerenga, even though it was after shootouts.

Stavanger’s last four matches, has been as challenging as Sparta’s,

05/12-10 Stavanger vs. Rosenborg 6:1

02/12-10 Stavanger vs. Lorenskog 5:2

28/11-10 Lillehammer vs. Stavanger 4:3 (OT)

25/11-10 Stavanger vs. Stjernen 4:2

Again, there’s not much to say about the results. But the fact that Stavanger has played very well after the break. Their results at home are as good as before, and they remain undefeated at home in regulation time. A proof of their good play right now is the result against Lillehammer away. Lillehammer and Stavanger has been the best teams after the break, and it’s only fair that the game ended in a draw.

These teams have already faced each other two times this season, once at Sparta’s home ice where Sparta won 4-0. This was during the times where Sparta was unstoppable. Second faceoff, was a month ago at Stavanger. The game started off quick and Sparta had a lead for a long time but Stavanger managed to turn it around, although loosing after shootouts. Sparta was missing a few key players, defensemen, before this game as well, and the result has to be considered good for both parts.

Both of these teams have great offensive skills, as Sparta has the most goals scored in the league, 108 goals scored after 25 games played. Stavanger isn’t far behind as they have 105 goals scored, with 24 games played. Stavanger’s road games usually tend to go over, as 8 of their 11 road games have gone over this season. The games that has not gone over has been against Manglerud (4-0 win) in their first road game of the season, Sparta (0-4 Loss) at the time where Sparta was playing their best hockey, Valerenga (1-4 Loss), Not much to add here, Valerenga has the best defense in the league, and are able to shut down all teams.

Sparta’s last three games have gone over, against top teams, Valerenga, Lillehammer, Lorenskog. At home the line has gone over in 8 of their 11 home games; the games that have gone under have been against Frisk/Asker (4-1 Win) in their first home game of the season, Stavanger (4-0 Win), already explained, Valerenga (2-3 loss), also explained, as Valerenga has the ability to somehow always shutdown the offensive teams.

Sparta’s recent results have been a bit misleading as they could’ve scored a lot more goals. This game should allow them to do so as both teams rely on their offensive skills, Stavanger won’t be scoreless again as they are in a good position to take over the second spot and be a threat to Sparta. At the same time Sparta knows they will have to step it up against Stavanger, who has been as good as Lillehammer, who Sparta lost against. It will be an interesting game, with many scoring opportunities I’m sure and surprisingly the line is set at 5.5. Which is most likely based on the H2H results between the teams, but the current forms these teams are in, and the circumstances for this game, Over should be a good pick.