Rosenborg
Budget: EUR 24m
In: Fredrik Winsnes (Stromsgodset), Morten Moldskred (Tromso), Daniel Orlund (AIK)
Out: Marek Sapara (Ankaragucu), Andreas Nordvik (Valerenga), Alexander Lund Hansen (Odense), Juska Savolainen (Haugesund), Albert Berbatovci, Roy Miller
Coach: Erik Hamren
Tactics: 4-2-3-1
Starting eleven: Orlund - Dorsin, Stadsgaard, Demidov/Lago, Lustig - Winsnes, Annan - Olsen, Iversen, PE Skjelbrejd - Prica
Preview: Rosenborg is the best squad in Norway, but this season the difference between the chasers will not be so great. The team has either classy players or the best potential stars of Norway for each position. The Trolls are the great favourite for the title once again and in fact the only squad that is able to stop them is Rosenborg themselves. The team has brought in a couple of experienced players for free, which will contribute to the team, especially once the European cups begin. You could expect a drop in form during the summer, as Rosenborg should concentrate on European competitions after the disappointing exit last year in the 2nd Qualifying round of the Uefa League.
Verdict: 1st place
Molde
Budget: EUR 8.75m
In: Magne Simonsen (Lyn), Baye Djibi Fall (Lokomotiv Moscow), Mame Mbar Diouf, Emil Johansson (Hammarby), Bjorn Runstrom (Odense)
Out: Valter Tomaz Jr., Mame Biram Diouf (Manchester United), Brian Waltrip, Vidar Henriksen, Jose Mota (Suwon)
Coach: Kjell Jonevret
Tactics: 4-3-3
Starting eleven: Lilleback - Rindaroy, Forren, Steen, Vatshaug - Hoseth, Thoune, Holm/Hestad - PP Diouf, Fall, Runstrom
Preview: Apart from Mame Biram Diouf, Molde managed to keep the backbone from the impressive last season. In fact, they brought in more quality during the winter, as Djibi Fall and Runstrom have the quality to replace the Biram Diouf. Molde showed solid performances all over the season, but never really threatening Rosenborg. The team needs consistency in order to be able to fight for the title, and could find it in Djiby Fall face. Another top 4 finish for Molde should not be a surprise for the punters.
Verdict: 3-4th place
Stabaek
Budget: EUR 11.25m
In: Kristian Flittie Onstad (Brann), Veigar Pall Gunnarsson (Nancy), Diogo da Costa Oliveira (Porto Allegre), Bjarni Olafur Eiriksson
Out: Thomas Rogne (Celtic), Daigo Kobayashi (Iraklis), Zdenek Senkerik, Fredrik Berglund (Elfsborg), Pontus Segerstrom (Brommapojkarna), Inge Andre Olsen
Coach: Jan Jonsson
Tactics: 4-4-2
Starting eleven: Knudsen - Hedenstad, Holand, Onstad, Skjonsberg - Hoff, Farnerud, Hauger, Diskerud - Gunnarsson, Nanskoog
Preview: Stabaek made a fine run in the end of the last season in order to finish in top 3. Now, they have the quality to build on that performance, after bringing in Pall Gunnarsson, who made a deadly couple with Nanskoog two years ago. The biggest positive for Stabaek is they had already been champions and know what it is like to win the title, unlike Molde. Stabaek is a very solid team, especially at home. They have quality in all lines, so they would not have difficulties against weaker teams. Should Hoff manage to replace Kobayashi and find the form he had in Lyn 2 years ago, Stabaek could even challenge Rosenborg for the title.
Verdict: 1-2nd place
Odd Grenland
Budget: EUR 7.5m
In: Magnus Myklebust (Lillestrom), Jone Samuelsen (Viking), Andreas Lie (Aalesund)
Out: Kenneth Dokken, Jacob Sorensen (Haugesund), Soren Jensen (Randers)
Coach: Dag-Eilev Fagermo
Tactics: 4-3-3
Starting eleven: Arason - Rambekk, Fevang, T Hansen, Hagen - Brenne, S Larsen, Lekven/Storbaek - Bentley, Kovacs, Guslvik
The preview: Odd managed an impressive performance in their first season in Tippeligaen. Now, they have not changed the first squad, and brought in cover for the regulars. The team look solid in all lines, and there is no doubt it could repeat the performance from last year. Odd plays on artificial grass, and this gives them special advantage at home. Dag-Eilev Fagermo does not have any aim but to please the public with attractive games, something, that he has done 2 seasons in a row now. This is the proper mindset for a good position in the final rankings.
Verdict: 4-6th place
Brann
Budget: EUR 17.5m
In: Erik Mjelde (Sandefjord), Yaw Ihle Amankwah (Alta), Cato Hansen (Lov-Ham), Jorgen Mohus (Asane)
Out: Johan Thorbjornsen (Lov-Ham), Kristian Flittie Onstad (Stabaek), Kristjan Orn Sigurdsson (Honefoss)
Coach: Steinar Nilsen
Tactics: 4-4-2
Starting eleven: Opdal - Holmvik, Amankwah, Bjarnarsson, El Fakiri - Vaagen Moen, Mjelde, Bakke, Solli - Guastavino, Huseklepp
Preiview: Brann managed to disappoint last season, never threatening to break into the top 3. The team has solid players in all lines, but did not find a central defender to replace the outgoing transfers. The team is especially weak away from home, where their form could be compared to a team fighting against relegation. The new season brings new hope to the fans, as the team got a classy midfielder in the face of Mjelde, who brought Sandefjord so high in the table last season all by himself. This year could be a little better for Brann - finally Guastavino should adapt to the tactics and start producing what he did at Lynn. But with the poor away record, it will be very difficult for Brann to break into top 3, let alone chase the title.
Verdict: 3-4th place
Tromso
Budget: EUR 10.625m
In: Fredrik Bjorck (Esbjerg), Vegard Braaten (Alta), Sergie Modou Kara Mbodji, Jade North (Incheon United), Kenny Stamatopoulos (Fredrikstad)
Out: Joel Lindpere (New York Red Bulls), Lars Iver Strand (Valerenga), T Reginiussen (Schalke 04), Martin Knudsen, Morten Moldskred (Rosenborg)
Coach: Per-Mathias Hogmo
Tactics: 4-4-2
Starting eleven: Ramovic - Yndestad, Koppinen, Sequeira, Hogli - Y Jenssen, Haugen, Knarvik, Strand - Rushfeldt, Braaten
Preview: The team lost many key players from last season. They will have to do without an indispensable central defender in the face of Reginiussen, and their top goalscorer. Still Tromso have brought in some talanted youths, and Infobettor will be following with attention Vegard Braaten, who almost managed to qualify Alta for the play-offs for Tipeeligaen all by himself. The 22-year-old striker had 31 goals in 57 matches for Alta, so he could easily turn out to be the revelation of the season. If the new players stick to the team fast, Tromso could even build on last year's 6th place.
Verdict: 4-6th place
Valerenga
Budget: EUR 13.75m
In: Lars Hirschfeld (Energie Cottbus), Frode Larsen (Moss), Christer Jensen (Moss), Andreas Nordvik (Rosenborg), Lars Iver Strand (Tromso)
Out: Jarl-Andre Storbaek (Panetolikos), Troy Perkins (DC United), Oyvind Bolthof, Mario Martinez (Anderlecht), Martin Andresen, Fredrik Carlsen (Aalesund), Christer Jensen, Erik Hagen (Honefoss)
Coach: Martin Andresen
Tactics: 4-3-3
Starting eleven: Hirschfeld - Nordvik, Hagen, Muri, Nouri - Fellah, Singh, Haestad/Zajic - Moa, Saetternes, Berre
Preview: Valerenga will finally be the pride of Oslo. Not due to some impressive performance last season, but because Lyn got relegated.Do not expect much from the Oslo team this season. Although operating with one of the largest budgets, the team did not get any remarkable reinforcements, and will rely heavily on the team from last season. Valerenga are good away from home, but has many troubles at Oslo. The team is lacking consistency and a good striker. After the unimpressing winter transfer window, Valerenga cannot hope for more then a place in the middle of the table.
Verdict: 7-9th place
Sandefjord
Budget: EUR 5.625m
In: Joachim Heier (Sarpsborg 08), Panajotis Dimitrades (Vasalund), Mark Eirik Gaard (Tonsberg)
Out: Birger Madsen (Valerenga), Fenan Salcinovic (Lech Poznan), Rocky Lekaj (Sheffield Wednesday), Matt Allen, Samuel Camazzolla, Erik Mjelde (Brann), Kjartan Finnbogason (KR Reykjavik)
Coach: Patrick Walker
Tactics: 4-4-2
Starting eleven: Pettersen - M Jensen, Gabrielsen, Nystuen, Zanetti - Royrane, Sonha, Marciano, Dimitrades - Mane, Rascic
Preview: Sandefjord lost their top scorer and key midfielder in the winter transfer window. The team impressed everyone by finishing above Viking and Lillestrom last year, staying far away from the relegation zone. However, the second season will be much more difficult for the team. It has brought in only players from lower divisions, and does not have found a proper cover for Mjelde. The good news for them is they did not lost any key player in the defensive department and have one of the stable keepers in the Tippeligaen. But if Malick Mane fails to step in the shoes of Mjelde in terms of scoring, they could be seriously involved in the relegation battle.
Verdict: 12-14th place
Start
Budget: EUR 7.5m
In: Aram Khalili (Bryne), Rune Nilssen (FC Copenhagen), Espen Knudsen, Avni Pepa
Out: Leif Otto Paulsen
Coach: Knut Torum
Tactics: 4-4-1-1
Starting eleven: Hoie - Milicevic, Borgersen, Goodson, Freeman - Borufsen, Owello, Bruer Hansen, Bolanos - Fevang - Stokkelein/Hulsker
Preview: Start was the worst newly promoted team last year - and it finished 9th! The team is same as last year's, with a couple of players that have returned from loans. The other teams will be a little bit more aware for the quality of Borufsen, Bolanos and Stokkelein. Same as Sandefjord, the second season in Tippeligaen will be harder for the teamm, but should be able to stay clear of relegation battle. Other bad news is the limited budget Start is operating with - if an important player gets injured, it will be more probably an unexperienced youth who will take his place.
Verdict: 10-12th place
Viking
Budget: EUR 11.875m
Coach: Age Fritjof Hareide
In: Patrik Ingelsten (Heerenveen)
Out: Thomas Myhre, Thomas Pereira, Peter Ijeh, Arild Ostbo, Jone Samuelsen (Odd Grenland)
Coach: Age Fritjof Hareide
Tactics: 4-1-3-2
Starting eleven: Kotenko - Bertelesen, I Sigurdsson, Steenslid, Skogsgeid - Sokolowski - Bjarnason, Samuelsen/Fillo, Nisja - Odegaard, Ingelsten
Preview: Viking finally got rid of the old and uneffective players, such as Myhre and Ijeh. Now the team will be much younger and with greater spirit. The team has added a great scorer in the face of Inglesten, and if they use the best of him, Viking could challenge for a top 4 finish. Viking are usually poor at home, but with the speed of Inglestein, they will be deadly away from home. Viking whole season will depend on Odegaard and Inglesten. And should one of them gets an injury, it copuld all fall down for the team from Stavanger.
Verdict: 4-7th place
Lillestrom
Budget: EUR 7.5m
In: Steinar Pedersen (Stromsgodset), Erling Knudtzon (Lyn), Tarik Elyounoussi (Heerenveen), Anthony Ujah
Out: Magnus Myklebust (Odd), Otto Fredrikson (Spartak Nalchik), Eirik Bertheussen (Tromsdalen), Jon Midttun Lie, Tore Andreas Gundersen (Dynamo Dresden), Martin Husar
Coach: Henning Berg
Tactics: 4-4-2
Starting eleven: Magnusson - Eriksen, Kippe, Pedersen, Essediri - Myklebust, Mouelhi, Sogard, Tarik - Igiebor, Sundgot
Preview: Lillestrom start another season with high expectations, and yet another season they will finish it in the midtable. The team has been strengthened good with the captures of Knudtzon, Tarik and Ujah. The latter made some positive impact in the training games, and perhaps he would be the player to lift the club. The team is in urgent need of scoring striker, as well as a good keeper. After the sale of Otto Fredrikson, it will be difficult for the replacements to match his class. Tarik and Knudtzon will give some speed on both flanks of the attack, but LSK need a finsiher.
Verdict: 8-10th place
Stromsgodset
Budget: EUR 5.625m
In: Lars Stubhaug (Everton), Jo Inge Berget (Udinese), Jim Johansen (Harstad), Lars-Christopher Vilsvik (FC Berlin), Krister Aunan (Randaberg)
Out: Lars Ivar Moldskred, Samir Fazlagic (NIL Trysil), Stian Ohr (Mjondalen), Fredrik Winsnes (Rosenborg), Vidar Riseth (Kongsvinger), Samir Fazlagic (Nybergsund), Christer George (FC Fredericia), Osman Nyan
Coach: Ronny Deila
Tactics: 4-3-3
Starting eleven: Stubhaug - Riddez, Aas, G Andersen, S Pedersen - Amewou, Nordkvelle, Sankoh - Keita, M Pedersen, Storflor
Preview: Stromsgodset underwent a major rejuvenation, selling almost all the over-30 players and bringing footballers, not older than 22 years. It could also turn out to be a handicap, but with all the talent at Ronny Deila's disposal, Infobettor considers it a smart step forward. Apart from Winsnes, who was in fact the engine of the team, none of the departures should be severely missed. If the team brings last year home form in the coming Tippeligaen season, Stromsgodset fans should get ready for a comfortable finish in the middle of the table.
Verdict: 8-10th place
Aalesunds
Budget: EUR 8.125m
In: Magnus Sylling Olsen (Kongsvinger), Fredrik K. Carlsen (Valerenga), Didrik Knutsen Flotre
Out: Andreas Lie, Adin Brown, Oyvind Gram, Reinieri Mayorquin (Deportivo Marathon)
Coach: Kjetil Rekdal
Tactics: 4-3-3
Starting eleven: Lindegaard - D Phillips, Arnefjord, Nation, Jalasto - Carlsen, P Larsen, Ernang - Silva, Aaroy, Kopteff
Preview: It is difficult to say where Aalesund are heading – they have a good mixture of experience and youths, that are ready to prove themselves. They have a great asset in attack - Tor Hogne Aaroy, whose 204 cm helps the team. Still, the team will be very vulnerable to injuries due to lack of quality at the bench. Sylling Olsen could turn to be the best addition to the club, further strengthening the offensive department - the player has contributed with 10 goals for Kongsvinger last season.
Verdict: 8-12th place
Haugesund
Budget: EUR 3.75m
In: Beau Molenaar (Skeid), Jacob Sorensen (Odd), Juska Savolainen (Rosenborg), Chris Pozniak (Vancouver Whitecaps), Martin Christensen (Rimini), Allan Olesen (Randers)
Out: Niklas Sandberg (Singapore Armed Forces FC), Elias Storm, Eirik Horneland, Svein Tore Brandshaug, Martin Vestbo
Coach: Jostein Grindhaug
Tactics: 4-4-2
Starting eleven: PM Kristiansen - Vage Nilsen, Tronseth, Sandberg, Skjaerve - Andreassen, Nygaard, Maelland, Pelu - Orsal, Djurdjic, Sorum
Preview: Haugesund took the 1st place in Addeccoligaen last year, and they should have the best prepared squad from the newcomers for the Tippeligaen. The team has good offensive power in Djurdjic and Sorum. Moreover, it has a couple of youth prospects - Vage Nilsen and Eirik Maeland, and brought players with experience in the Top Scandinavian Leagues. In comparison with last year's team, Haugesund is even better and should push a serious challange for a longer stay in Tippeligaen.
Verdict: 12-14th place
Honefoss
Budget: EUR 4.375m
In: Kristjan orn Sigurdsson (Brann), Rune Bolseth (Sogndal), Davy Claude Angan (Lyn), Madiou Konate (Ankaragucu), Paul Obiefule (Lyn), Christian Traore (Hammarby), Steven Clark (Charleston Battery), Erik Hagen (Valerenga)
Out: Bjorn Dahl (Lov-Ham), Christer Ellefsen, Andreas Tegstrom (Fredrikstad), Magnus Ueland, Fridtjof Seeberg
Coach: Ole Bjorn Sundgot
Tactics: 4-4-2
Starting eleven: Solvoll - Byfuglien, F Lafton, Hagen, B Olssen - D Hanssen, Dmitrijev, Bangura, Leo Olssen - Konate, L Lafton
Preview: Much like Kongsvinger and Honefoss, the team is accustomed to playing at Addeccoligaen. After 11 consecutive seasons there, Haugesund finally managed to qualify for the top league, mainly thanks to its home form - a single loss in 15 matches. Honefoss managed to strengthen the team with a couple of players with experience in Tippeligaen - Sigurdsson, Angan, Obiefule, Hagen. But these players would have been used as covers in mediocre Tippeligaen teams, so do not expect too much from them.
Verdict: 14-16th place
Kongsvinger
Budget: EUR 2.875m
In: Vidar Riseth (Stromsgodset), Adem Guven (Ham Kam), Kim Holmen (Lyn), Martin Linnes (Sander), Kenneth Jahr (Valdres), Bobbie Friberg da Cruz (Randers)
Out: Randall Brenes, Jonas Johansen (Tromsdalen), Glenn Atle Larsen, Johan Nilsson Guiomar (Trelleborg), Magnus Sylling Olsen (Aalesund), Sverre Digerud, Fredrik Nilsen (Strommen), Andreas Moen (Strommen), Steinar Stromnes (Lyn)
Coach: Trond Amundsen
Tactics: 4-3-3
Starting eleven: Mansson - Hakkonsen, Riseth, Ryen, Frejd - Torp, R Risholt, Berg Hansen - Guven, K Risholt, Holmen
Preview: KIL operate with the smallest budget in the Tippeligaen, so any position but the last place will be remarkable achievement. The team managed to get promoted with 10 losses in 30 matches! But in Tippeligaen is a different story, as Kongsvinger will struggle especially away from home. The team managed to get reinforced with some players of experience. Vidar Riseth and Holmen will be the reference points of the team, and if they are to survive in the Tippeligaen, it will be only thanks to them, and their coach -
Verdict: 14-16th place.
