Match Preview: Ham-Kam vs Haugesund in Eliteserien
Sunday afternoon promises an interesting matchup in Eliteserien as Ham-Kam hosts Haugesund at Briskeby Arena in Hamar. Both teams are in search of vital points, but they come into the match from very different starting points.
In recent weeks, Ham-Kam has found a winning form that gives them confidence. With an impressive 3-1 victory against Kristiansund BK away and a convincing 5-1 win in the NM Cup against Levanger, the home team is clearly on the rise in their performances. In their last match at Briskeby Arena, they defeated Sandefjord 2-0, showcasing defensive strength and an effective attack that has scored many early goals.
On the contrary, Haugesund has struggled this season, with only one win in the last 26 league matches. That victory came just before the upcoming meeting, a 2-0 win against KFUM Oslo, which may provide them with some much-needed confidence. The match before that ended in a narrow 2-3 loss to Tromsø at home at Haugesund Stadium, highlighting that while the team has been competitive, they still have issues closing out matches defensively.
Historically, Ham-Kam has proven to be the stronger side in this rivalry in recent years, including a clear 3-0 victory at Haugesund Stadium earlier this season. This may be mentally reassuring for the home team, which already enjoys a psychological advantage.
Aside from their defensive challenges, Haugesund has an attacking force capable of surprising, with several matches where they have fought back, especially in the closing minutes. But they will need to be at their very best long before the final whistle if they are to take points in Hamar.
An intense and possibly physical encounter is expected given both teams’ pressure for points. The match at Briskeby Arena therefore promises to be a dramatic spectacle between two teams with much to play for. With a home side in form and an away side fighting for survival in the league, the excitement will be palpable when the referee blows the whistle to start the match.
