The upcoming matchday 13 of the Norwegian championship at Lerkendal will feature teams struggling to escape the relegation zone. Rosenborg is in second-to-last place with nine points, while Kristiansund, in a safe 14th place, has just two points more. The hosts, who are going through a coaching change, drew 2-2 with leaders Bodø/Glimt in their last matchday and beat Molde 2-1 in a friendly. The visitors, on the other hand, are entering the game on a back-to-back run of two defeats and only one win in seven matches, leaving them feeling unsure.
A key advantage for the hosts is their head-to-head record. In 16 matches against Kristiansund, Rosenborg has won seven and lost only two, and is unbeaten at home. Moreover, in the last five games of this tie, the hosts have scored in four encounters, winning twice by two or more goals. Meanwhile, the visitors are suffering from personnel losses, while Rosenborg's squad is close to its optimal strength.
Given their head-to-head record, the coaching change, and the need to escape the relegation zone, Rosenborg must capitalize on their home field advantage. A match against one of their direct rivals is the perfect chance to break their losing streak and begin their climb up the standings.
