Start vs Rosenborg - Eliteserien

Start prepare to host Rosenborg at the home ground on July 18, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Eliteserien season. The spectacle was once again on show ahead of Nice’s Europa League clash with AS Roma on Thursday, but what was supposed to be a display of power and pride quickly turned into a far more comical scene.

Start head into the contest positioned 16th in the Eliteserien standings, while Rosenborg arrive sitting 6th. The hosts are desperate for a lift, with WLWLL in their last five and a win rate of 20% that underscores the size of the task facing them. Rosenborg have travelled reasonably well, W over their last five with a season win rate of 45%. The contrast in attacking output — 1.1 versus 1.8 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. He was sacked by Fiorentina after Che Adams' late goal for Torino left them bottom of the Serie A table with three defeats out of three.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Start will look to impose their style on home soil, while Rosenborg are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Speaking in his unveiling press conference on Thursday, he said: Bayern Munich had attempted to sign Benjamin Sesko ahead of Manchester United, but a deal proved too expensive, according to cfbayerninsider.

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. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Meanwhile, Ajax's new striker Tolu Arokodare continued his strong start by lashing in a fourth goal in three games in their 4-0 victory away to Telstar.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. The numbers tilt towards Rosenborg, and a 1-2 away win looks the more probable outcome. 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. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.