- Start have won just 1 of their last 5 matches, losing 4. They have 7 points from 13 games in Eliteserien 2026, putting them 16th.
- Rosenborg have 12 points from 12 matches in Eliteserien 2026, still too close to the relegation zone.
Start's style can make it a close and cagey game
IK Start Kristiansand are having a torrid time of it in the Norwegian Eliteserien 2026, currently sitting in 16th place with just 7 points from 13 rounds. There has been some improvement from the hosts in the opening weeks of the campaign, but they are now coming off the back of successive 2-1 away defeats to Fredrikstad and Brann, and the pressure of being in the relegation dogfight is starting to tell.
Start boss Azar Karadas has built his side up into a compact unit since February 2024, with a solid back three and wing-backs providing the platform for a direct and dangerous team. They have played some decent soccer this season but it is not enough to drag them out of the bottom two.
Rosenborg BK have had a mixed start to the season, but have won their last two matches, including a 3-0 home league win over Kristiansund BK and a 2-1 friendly victory over Molde FK. They currently sit 13th in the table with 12 points from 12 fixtures, still too close to the bottom three for comfort.
Rosenborg may just have enough to nick it
Rosenborg boss Freyr Alexandersson has been in charge since 17 June 2026 and his side have been looking to redefine their press and get back to a more consistent attacking rhythm during that period. They are still struggling a little on the road, with 5 away games without a win in the league, scoring 0 and conceding 9 goals.
The width of Rosenborg's 4-3-1 system can stretch teams, but the team's tinkering has left them exposed in away fixtures so far. Start's low block and direct counters should make this a classic breaker-of-blocks game, so the hosts are well equipped to make life tough for the visitors. Rosenborg are a better side, but the home side's shape should keep this tight and one goal could decide it.
Our IK Start Kristiansand vs Rosenborg BK preview suggests a tense contest, with the hosts' defensive structure likely to make things awkward for the visitors. Rosenborg are the slight favorites at 2.29, but IK Start at 2.82 and the Draw at 3.56 are good value alternatives. Both Teams to Score: Yes at 1.57 and Over 2.5 goals at 1.73 should both be on your radar for what could be a lively game with goals likely. The visitors still have more quality to draw upon and their main threat, Dino Islamovic, has 3 of their 9 goals in the last 5 games, so the away side are still the more likely winner.
This IK Start Kristiansand vs Rosenborg BK prediction leans toward a narrow Rosenborg win, although Start's compact approach could easily drag the match into a tight finish. For those looking at IK Start Kristiansand vs Rosenborg BK betting tips, the Draw or Rosenborg may offer the best angles in what could be a low-margin affair.
