Sandefjord vs Fredrikstad - Eliteserien

The history between Sandefjord and Fredrikstad lends this Eliteserien fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on May 25, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Manchester United play in Gothenburg on Saturday as they take on Paris-Saint Germain in their fourth pre-season fixture.

Sandefjord head into the contest positioned 13th in the Eliteserien standings, while Fredrikstad arrive sitting 7th. Consistency has eluded Sandefjord in recent weeks, with LDDWL in their last five and a win rate of 25% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. The visitors have been picking up results steadily, DLWWW over their last five with a campaign win rate of 40%. Where Sandefjord have leaned on defensive discipline, Fredrikstad have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. The 24-year-old finished first in one of Arsenal's big pre-season testing challenges - a 1.4km run at full pace.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Sandefjord will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Fredrikstad will back themselves to cause problems on the break. It isn't clear yet that this will definitely be a winger, with Maresca and sporting director Hugo Viana flexible over their attack.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman Amin Chiakha — 12 goals this term — will be one to watch. 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. But the holders PSV signalled their intent with a 6-1 thrashing of Utrecht - despite conceding the first goal.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Given the balance of the numbers, Fredrikstad look capable of springing a surprise on the road — a 1-2 away victory is a distinct possibility. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. Fulham's Antonee Robinson could be one of those, who would likely be a cheaper alternative to Hall, who has just enjoyed a breakout season with the Magpies.