Kristiansund BK vs Start - Eliteserien

The history between Kristiansund BK and Start lends this Eliteserien fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on July 25, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Mason Mount has been outstanding for Man Utd in pre-season but he could still face fierce competition for a place in Michael Carrick's side next season.

Kristiansund BK head into the contest positioned 14th in the Eliteserien standings, while Start arrive sitting 16th. Kristiansund BK have blown hot and cold, LWDLW across their last five and a win rate of 25% that leaves room for improvement. Start are searching for answers away from home, WLWLL over their last five with a campaign win rate of 20%. The contrast in attacking output — 1 versus 1.1 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. What happened is that when the team was being defeated game after game, they put more money on the table to solve the problem." It did not work.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Kristiansund BK will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Start must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer Amin Chiakha, with 12 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. Former Arsenal youth striker Vigar, who was 21, died in September 2025 after suffering a brain injury when he collided with a concrete barrier trying to keep a ball in play during a match at Wingate and Finchley.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Backed by home advantage and superior form, Kristiansund BK ought to prevail — a 2-1 victory looks the logical call. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Eliteserien standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".