Football Season Guide

Ranheim are this year's new boys as they start their very first Eliteserien adventure on the back of defeating Sogndal in last season's relegation play offs. It was a huge surprise that they managed to outwit an experienced albeit limited Eliteserien side and manager Svein Maalen will have to tackle the new pressures of top flight football head on, with serious questions marks surrounding his side's ability to compete at the top level of Norwegian football. Because things will have to be managed on the tightest of shoestrings, and with Ranheim firmly in the shadows of Trondheim neighbours Rosenborg, it will be difficult to drum up any interest in them aside from the supporters who have already cheered them on in the lower divisions. But everyone likes an outsider, right? Maalen's side have a very fresh and local look, and that has been their winning formula in recent years. And looking at the recruitment ahead of their first Eliteserien season that hasn't changed. Andreas Helmersen arrives as their main striker on loan from Rosenborg, and he is predicted to be a huge talent. And most of the starting eleven is made up of local players who have the club and the region in their hearts and are willing to fight a brave battle over 30 games to avoid what many experts suggest will be the clearest of relegations. The 4-3-3 formation is favoured by Maalen, but with his midfield anchor Magnus Blakstad out injured, they may be exposed in the middle of the park almost immediately. A lot rests on the back four and goalkeeper Even Barli who were such a sturdy and solid unit in the division below last season. There are clearly plenty of unknown elements from the outside looking in, but Ranheim themselves will think that they can turn a few heads this season based on their solid unity among the squad. Pre-season results have so far been positive, but there remains question marks over their opponents. Over four games against lower league Norwegian opposition Ranheim racked up four wins with a goal difference of 16-2. But when tested against Icelandic outfit Hafnarfjordur recently, they fell short in a 2-1 defeat. Ranheim still haven't tested themselves against a really good side, and the slow preparations means they might be heading for a fall sooner than expected. Brann are their first opponents and they won't be in any mood to show any mercy against a newly promoted side from Trondheim. How will Maalen's squad cope coming face to face with a medal candidate straight away?