Leaders Viking face Fredrikstad at Lyse Arena
Eliteserien leaders Viking host Fredrikstad at Lyse Arena on Saturday evening, with kick-off at 18:00. The visitors have a few selection issues, and coach Casper Røjkjær says they will not travel to Stavanger to sit back. Fans can read about card-only payments and ticket availability below.
Visitors arrive with a plan
Fredrikstad coach Casper Røjkjær has told his players to take part in the game rather than sit back. He spoke to Fredriksstad Blad after a training session in heavy autumn rain at Fredrikstad Stadion.
"We are going there with a plan to be in the game," Røjkjær said. He added that his team must dare to keep the ball when the moment is right. He did not hide his respect for the leaders. "We have deep respect for Viking, but we fear no one. We are travelling to Stavanger to fight for points," he said.
The Fredrikstad press reports that Røjkjær expects space to open up in attack if his side win the ball in good positions. That has led him to consider quick, mobile players from the start. He also pointed to progress at the back, saying his team now concede far fewer chances than earlier in the season.
Selection questions for Fredrikstad
Several changes to the Fredrikstad line-up look likely. Max Nilsson will miss the game through suspension after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season against Tromsø last weekend.
Samuel Leach Holm appears certain to start in midfield. Røjkjær is still weighing who should play alongside him, and Liam West, Jakub Jezierski and Leo Owusu are all options. The coach would not give anything away. "We are looking at some alternatives, and you will see what we land on when the team is announced on Saturday," he said. Isak Helstad Amundsen is back in the starting eleven.
Matchday at Lyse Arena
Kick-off is at 18:00 local time. The ticket page carries a note that the match could be moved within the weekend, from Thursday to Monday, to suit television. No refunds are given if the date or time changes.
Lyse Arena is cash-free, so all ticket and kiosk sales are by card only. The club urges fans to buy tickets online in advance. Adult tickets in the dark blue and standing sections cost NOK 329 on the ticket site. Silver is NOK 399 and gold NOK 499. Youth tickets start at NOK 139 and student tickets cost NOK 199. When the page was last updated, the Felt O safe-standing tickets and the youth standing tickets for that section were listed as sold out.
Felt O is the home of Viking's singing supporters. Away fans are placed in Felt E, which has its own kiosk and toilets. Away-team colours and items are not allowed in the home stands.
Companion tickets are available for fans who need them. They are for sections H, I, M, N, P and Q. Supporters can contact the club ticket office with their companion certificate and their preferred section.
A busy run-in
The league table gives the match extra weight. Viking top Eliteserien on 53 points after 22 games, level with Bodø/Glimt. Fredrikstad are eighth on 29 points.
The home fixtures keep coming. Viking host Tromsø at Lyse Arena on 25 October at 14:30. They then welcome KFUM Oslo on 28 October at 18:00.
Sources: f-b.no, viking.ticketco.events, vikingfotball.no
