Start vs Valerenga - Eliteserien

Season-defining implications hang over this Eliteserien clash at the home ground, where Start host Valerenga on May 25, 2026 knowing the result could shape the run-in for both clubs. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Czech side Jablonec at Ibrox on Thursday, McInnes said: "I said that when I spoke to Lawrence.

In the Eliteserien table, Start currently occupy 16th and Valerenga sit 11th, and the context adds genuine weight to what is already an intriguing fixture. 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. Valerenga have blown hot and cold, LDLDL across their last five and a season win rate of 30%. Where Start have leaned on defensive discipline, Valerenga have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. 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 Valerenga are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. But this approach also takes something that is almost anonymous in football - time.

When Amin Chiakha is on the pitch — 12 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Eliteserien's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Spurs may have leaked Arsenal links to defender to ease sale to Atletico Madrid.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Given the balance of the numbers, Valerenga look capable of springing a surprise on the road — a 1-2 away victory is a distinct possibility. Whatever the outcome, the Eliteserien fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.