Rosenborg BK v IFK Norrköping: Thomas Giles’ betting tip

This Champions League qualification match is a Scandanavian derby fixture between Norwegian champions Rosenborg BK and Swedish title winners IFK Norrköping.

Rosenborg have won the Norwegian title more times than any other team with 23 championships to their name. However, they have not qualified for the Champions League since the 2007/08 season. As the Norwegian league follows a summer calendar they are currently about halfway through the 2016 season and sit top of the table having lost only one game.

Swedish domestic football has been dominated by Malmö FF in recent years but Norrköping won their 13th league title in 2015 which allowed them to be the only Swedish team to enter the Champions League qualification stages. The Swedish league, as in other Scandinavian countries, is currently about half way through their campaign with Malmö FF reasserting their monopoly on Swedish football. Norrköping are second but are undefeated in their last six matches.

Rosenborg are the favourites for this match, probably due to their home advantage and greater European experience. However, we have seen the underdogs do particularly well in these Champions League qualification rounds so I would back Norrköping at 49/10. As previously mentioned, the Swedish side are unbeaten in the last six matches and will relish the opportunity to progress in the Champions League, given this occasion is rare for them, as well as put one over their neighbours from Norway.

See other UCL qualifying tips here.