Åssiden IF vs Notodden - NM Cupen

All eyes turn to the home ground on August 22, 2026 as Åssiden IF welcome Notodden in a NM Cupen encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. How smooth can you be when receiving the ball, how quickly can you move from the back foot, hips open, face forward and find quality with the pass.

There is plenty riding on this NM Cupen encounter for Åssiden IF and Notodden alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. It’s safe to say that Paige Bueckers is putting up elite all-around numbers in her second WNBA season for the Dallas Wings, averaging over 20 points and nearly six assists a night.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Åssiden IF favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Notodden are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Moving the Dane on frees up space and gives the Partenopei greater room to press ahead with their incoming transfer plans.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. And moving forward, that mentality and courageous attitude will be just as important as the mettle he shows when he is in contention to win.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. Whatever the outcome, the NM Cupen fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.