World Football: Norwegian newcomers can stand strong on Sunday

WORLD football fanatic James O'Rourke (@JamesOR1) continues his quest for global value with a selection of hand-picked best bets from across the planet on Sunday.

Salzburg v Admira Wacker | Sunday 25th August 2019, 16:00

I’ve already touched upon the Austrian Bundesliga in my Saturday article, where again I highlighted the fact that Salzburg are in their own one-team league within this actual ten-team league. They have won the league for seven seasons running, and they’re already a low odds-on shot to add another title honour to their club haul.

However, arguably the time to really keep them on side is early in the season, as this is prior to them having any European commitments. They’ve gone long in the UEFA Europa League in recent times, and although it hasn’t stopped them winning their domestic league, it is ultimately a distraction would could lead to a shock result or two.

Nevertheless, bottom side Admira travel probably more in hope than expectation on Sunday as they look to secure the shock of all shocks. They, along with practically every other team in the league, take on Salzburg probably already knowing they’re second best in every department. However, this is football and we all know shocks do happen. Could it happen this weekend? Admira’s three losses from four opening games, including two defeats to likely strugglers doesn’t inspire much confidence.

However, I do believe that Admira can make their presence felt in this game, albeit in quite a small and ultimately unsuccessful way. They won’t be winning this game, no way, I’ll happily say that much. Salzburg are 1/11 to win and should do, and they are constantly having to hold that big favourites tag every single weekend.

Something which is noticeable is that Salzburg can actually take games like this a little easily. Considering they’ve won the league so much in recent times, they’ll undoubtedly go into games with the attitude that they should win. This can lead to a little complacency at times which opens the door ever so slightly to the other team.

This is highlighted by the fact that Admira have actually scored on four of their last five visits to Salzburg, even winning on one occasion. We then have to go all the way back to 2006 for the second most recent time they’ve won away in Salzburg. RBS have played two home games so far, winning 5-2 and 4-1 to weaker opponents. Remember me mentioning about switching off at times? Well, clearly they’ve conceded in those matches. Over Salzburg last 21 home league matches, they won 19 and drew the other two, but only seven clean sheets in that time.

Salzburg to win and Both Teams To Score is a very, very appealing 12/5 (Bet365) shot, and considering their record of this paying out in home games, it has to be worth a play, regardless of how poor Admira are.

Viking v Ranheim | Sunday 25th August 2019, 17:00

We’re quite some way into the Norwegian Eliteserien season, with this weekend presenting matchday 19. Without a doubt, Viking versus Ranheim is not the most glamorous of fixtures taking place in the league in the latest round, with Molde versus Odd in a top versus third clash standing out, but as always, there is plenty for us Scandinavian football aficionados to get involved with.

We’ll try our best to sell this encounter for you to start with. Viking find themselves seventh in the standings, so roughly around mid-table. They were on a poor run of form when going six without a win in the league before recent back-to-back victories lifted them up a few places. This has eased any strong relegation fears, although there’s still 12 matches to go. They may sit seventh in this 16-team league, but they’re actually closer, in terms of points, to the bottom-three than they are the top-three.

Ranheim were promoted into the top flight a few seasons ago after a prolonged stay in the third and second tiers. Following their play-off triumph, they enjoyed a superb 7th spot finish in their first year in the top flight, but they are finding things a little tougher this time around. They find themselves fourth from bottom, and only goal difference is preventing them being third-bottom, which is a relegation/promotion spot. They’ve lost four of their last five, although that does include clashes with Molde, Rosenborg and Bodo/Glimt, which is three of the top four.

However, all is not lost for Ranheim, as something they have enjoyed is quite a productive away record. They actually possess the worst home record in the league, so they’ll probably relish the chance to get back on the road. Only four other clubs have claimed more away points than Ranheim so far, and they’ve achieved this through being much harder to beat. They’ve only scored seven goals on their travels, conceding only 11, but they’ve defeated the likes of Brann and Haugesund on the road, who are positioned either side of Viking in the table.

Viking themselves have only two home losses this season, but they are ultimately a mid-table side and never one to be too confident over. They are on odds-on shout to get the win on Sunday, but I personally wouldn’t want to touch them at that price. Over the last ten league games, both Viking and Ranheim have exactly the same won three, drew two and lost five record. Ranheim’s love for an away day shock is something which appeals to me.

They too are ultimately in a relegation battle, so probably not one to go overboard with, but I do like the look of Ranheim Double Chance at 49/50 (888Sport). Ranheim won the earlier season meeting 5-2, and considering their poor home form, that could be telling approaching the away leg.