Sandnes vs Raufoss: Match Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
Published on Thursday, 25 June 2026 by Steve
Sandnes Ulf vs Raufoss IL
OBOS-ligaen Prediction & Betting Tips
Match Overview
Emil Sildnes / Raufoss
The OBOS-ligaen enters a crucial phase as Sandnes Ulf welcome Raufoss IL to the Øster Hus Arena on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be an intriguing encounter between two sides with contrasting trajectories this season. Sandnes Ulf, freshly promoted from the 2. divisjon after winning Group 1 in 2025, have shown flashes of quality in their return to the second tier but remain inconsistent as they adjust to the higher level of competition. Meanwhile, Raufoss find themselves in a precarious position, sitting second from bottom in the table with just seven points from eleven matches, desperately needing points to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. This fixture represents a golden opportunity for the home side to capitalize on their superior head-to-head record and extend their cushion in mid-table, while Raufoss must find a way to arrest their alarming slide down the standings before it becomes irreversible.
Sandnes Ulf's return to the OBOS-ligaen has been a story of steady adaptation under head coach Arturo Cleveland, who guided the club to promotion with an impressive 16 wins from 26 matches in the 2. divisjon. The 2026 season marks their first campaign back in the second tier after a one-season absence, and the club has invested wisely in the transfer market to strengthen their squad. Key arrivals including striker Mathias Sundberg from Strømmen, defender Axel Kryger from Kristiansund, and the experienced Yann-Erik de Lanlay from Viking have added quality and depth to a squad that was already competitive at the lower level. However, the step up in class has been evident, with the team currently occupying 8th place in the table with 16 points from 12 matches, just one point ahead of the relegation playoff zone. Their recent form has been mixed, but a commanding 4-1 away victory against Moss FK in their last outing has injected renewed confidence into the camp.
Raufoss, on the other hand, are enduring a torrid campaign that has seen them claim just two victories all season. The club made a managerial change in late May, with Ole Petter Berget replacing Kasey Wehrman in an attempt to turn the tide, but results have yet to improve significantly under the new regime. With 16 goals scored and 28 conceded in 12 matches, Raufoss possess the second-worst defensive record in the division, a statistic that will concern Berget as he prepares his side for the trip to Sandnes. The visitors have been particularly vulnerable away from home, conceding an average of 2.8 goals per game in their travels, and their inability to keep clean sheets has undermined any attacking threat they have managed to generate. With the pressure mounting and the relegation trapdoor looming, this match could define Raufoss's season if they fail to produce a competitive performance.
Tactical Preview
Yann-Erik de Lanlay klar for Sandnes Ulf! / Sandnes Ulf
Formation & Key Matchups
Sandnes Ulf 4-3-3
Arturo Cleveland has predominantly deployed a 4-3-3 formation this season, utilizing the width provided by his full-backs and the pace of his wide forwards to stretch opposition defenses. The system relies heavily on the midfield trio of Jakob Tromsdal, Sander Saugestad, and either Kaloyan Kostadinov or the recently acquired Zifarlino Nsoni to control the tempo and provide defensive cover for the back four. At the back, captain Gullbrandur í Horni Øregaard marshals a defense that has shown resilience at home but has been susceptible to quick transitions on the road. The full-backs, Kevin Egell-Johnsen on the right and Erik Berland or Andreas Rosendal Nyhagen on the left, are encouraged to push high up the pitch, creating overloads in wide areas that allow the inside forwards to cut inside and shoot. This tactical approach has yielded results at the Øster Hus Arena, where Sandnes Ulf have collected the majority of their points this season, and Cleveland will be confident that his team can exploit Raufoss's defensive frailties by maintaining a high tempo and quick ball circulation.
Raufoss IL 4-2-3-1
Ole Petter Berget has favored a 4-2-3-1 formation since taking charge, attempting to provide more defensive solidity through a double pivot in midfield while relying on the creativity of Emil Sildnes and Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson to supply the forward line. However, the system has struggled to find the right balance, with the defensive midfielders often overwhelmed when facing teams that press high and force turnovers in dangerous areas. The back four, led by Eirik Dahl Åsvestad and Sebastian Gjelsvik, has been porous, failing to organize effectively during set-pieces and showing a worrying tendency to concede goals in clusters. In attack, the pace of Adrian Rogulj and the physical presence of Markus Aanesland offer some threat, but the supply line has been inconsistent, leaving the forwards isolated for long periods. Berget's challenge is to instill discipline and organization into a team that has looked mentally fragile, particularly after conceding the opening goal, which has happened with alarming regularity this season.
Critical Vulnerability
Raufoss's most glaring weakness is their inability to defend transitions and set-pieces, having conceded 28 goals in just 12 matches. Sandnes Ulf's aerial threat from corners and free-kicks, combined with the pace of Mathias Sundberg and Ole Sebastian Sundgot on the counter-attack, could prove devastating if Raufoss fail to maintain their defensive shape. The visitors' full-backs, particularly Jørgen Vedal Sjøl on the right, have been exposed by quick wingers this season, and Sandnes Ulf will look to target this area repeatedly. Additionally, Raufoss's goalkeeper Anders Klemensson has faced more shots per game than any other keeper in the division, suggesting that the defensive issues extend beyond the back four to the midfield's inability to protect their penalty area. If Sandnes Ulf can establish early dominance in midfield and force Raufoss into errors in their own half, the home side could find themselves with multiple high-quality scoring opportunities before halftime.
Team News & Squad Status
Sandnes Ulf 📈
- Aslak Falch (GK): The experienced goalkeeper has been a reliable presence between the sticks and is expected to retain his starting position after a solid performance against Moss.
- Axel Kryger (DF): The January signing from Kristiansund has settled well into the back four and provides aerial dominance in both penalty areas.
- Yann-Erik de Lanlay (MF): The veteran midfielder, signed from Viking in February, brings Eliteserien experience and creativity to the center of the park.
- Ole Sebastian Sundgot (FW): Leading scorer with 7 goals this season, the striker is in excellent form and will be the primary threat to the Raufoss defense.
- Mathias Sundberg (FW): The Strømmen recruit has added 3 goals and provides excellent movement off the ball, complementing Sundgot perfectly.
- Peder Brekke (FW): The 20-year-old talent signed a three-year contract in January and scored in the recent 4-1 victory over Moss, showcasing his potential.
- Jamal Deen Haruna (DF): On loan from Sogndal, the Ghanaian defender adds pace and physicality to the defensive unit.
- Olaf Bárðarson (MF): The Faroese international signed from Víkingur Gøta has brought energy and tactical intelligence to the midfield.
Raufoss IL ⚠️
- Anders Klemensson (GK): The first-choice goalkeeper has been busy this season, facing an average of over five shots on target per game.
- Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson (DF): The Swedish center-back signed from Forge FC in February brings international experience but has struggled to organize the defense effectively.
- Erik Frøysa (DF): On loan from Aalesund, the defender has been one of the more consistent performers in an otherwise shaky back line.
- Saadiq Faisal Elmi (DF): The Somali international signed from Moss in March adds pace but is still adapting to the demands of the OBOS-ligaen.
- Emil Sildnes (MF): The chief creator with 2 assists this season, Sildnes is the primary source of creativity from midfield.
- David de Ornelas (MF): Signed from HamKam, the midfielder has contributed 2 goals and provides energy in the center of the park.
- Filip Da Silva (FW): Joint top scorer with 3 goals, the Brazilian forward offers a physical presence and finishing ability in the box.
- Adrian Rogulj (FW): Also on 3 goals for the season, Rogulj's pace on the break could trouble Sandnes Ulf if given space to run into.
- Rafik Zekhnini (FW): The former Odd winger, signed in March, brings top-flight experience and trickery on the flanks.
Predicted Lineups
Spissen Mathias Sundberg (23) klar for Sandnes Ulf / Sandnes Ulf
| Sandnes Ulf 4-3-3 | Raufoss IL 4-2-3-1 |
|---|---|
| Aslak Falch (GK) | Anders Klemensson (GK) |
| Kevin Egell-Johnsen (RB) | Jørgen Vedal Sjøl (RB) |
| Espen Berger (CB) | Sebastian Gjelsvik (CB) |
| Gullbrandur Øregaard (CB, C) | Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson (CB) |
| Erik Berland (LB) | Eirik Dahl Åsvestad (LB, C) |
| Jakob Tromsdal (CDM) | Torje Naustdal (CDM) |
| Sander Saugestad (CM) | David de Ornelas (CDM) |
| Olaf Bárðarson (CM) | Emil Sildnes (CAM) |
| Mathias Sundberg (RW) | Rafik Zekhnini (RW) |
| Ole Sebastian Sundgot (ST) | Markus Aanesland (ST) |
| Adne Bruseth (LW) | Adrian Rogulj (LW) |
Head-to-Head Record
Ny spiss inn porten: Adrian Rogulj spilleklar for Raufoss / Raufoss
The historical rivalry between Sandnes Ulf and Raufoss IL heavily favors the home side, with Sandnes Ulf dominating the fixture in recent years. Since 2016, the two sides have met on 14 occasions across all competitions, with Sandnes Ulf emerging victorious in six of those encounters while Raufoss have managed just two wins. The remaining six matches have ended in draws, highlighting that while Sandnes Ulf have had the upper hand, Raufoss have occasionally proven difficult to break down. The most recent meeting between these two sides took place in October 2025, when they played out a 1-1 draw at the NAMMO Stadion, a result that reflected Raufoss's resilience on their own patch but also their inability to overcome a determined Sandnes Ulf side. Prior to that, Sandnes Ulf secured a narrow 1-0 victory in November 2021, demonstrating their ability to grind out results even when not at their fluent best.
At the Øster Hus Arena, Sandnes Ulf's record against Raufoss is particularly impressive, having lost just once at home to the visitors in their last seven encounters. The home advantage has been a significant factor in this fixture, with Sandnes Ulf's passionate support and familiarity with the pitch conditions giving them an edge that Raufoss have struggled to overcome. The last time Raufoss managed to secure a victory against Sandnes Ulf was in the 2020 season, and since then, the balance of power has shifted further in favor of the home side. With Sandnes Ulf currently enjoying better form and Raufoss languishing near the relegation zone, the psychological advantage lies firmly with the hosts. The head-to-head statistics suggest that Sandnes Ulf not only have the quality to win this match but also the mental fortitude that comes from knowing they have consistently gotten the better of this opponent in recent years.
Key Players Comparison
Ole Sebastian Sundgot (Sandnes Ulf)
The 7-goal striker has been the standout performer for Sandnes Ulf this season, combining clinical finishing with intelligent movement that constantly troubles defenders. His ability to score from both inside and outside the box makes him a constant threat.
Filip Da Silva (Raufoss IL)
The Brazilian forward has netted 3 goals this season and represents Raufoss's best hope of finding the back of the net. His physical presence and ability to hold up the ball could be crucial if Raufoss are to mount any sustained attacking pressure.
Yann-Erik de Lanlay (Sandnes Ulf)
The veteran midfielder brings a wealth of top-flight experience to Sandnes Ulf's engine room. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of matches will be instrumental in breaking down Raufoss's defensive lines.
Emil Sildnes (Raufoss IL)
With 2 assists this season, Sildnes is the creative heartbeat of the Raufoss side. His delivery from set-pieces and ability to pick out runners from deep positions could unlock the Sandnes Ulf defense if given time on the ball.
Mathias Sundberg (Sandnes Ulf)
The Strømmen recruit has added a new dimension to Sandnes Ulf's attack with his pace and direct running. His 3 goals this season have often come at crucial moments, and his partnership with Sundgot continues to develop with each match.
Adrian Rogulj (Raufoss IL)
Also on 3 goals for the campaign, Rogulj's pace and willingness to run in behind defenses make him a dangerous outlet on the counter-attack. If Raufoss can spring him into space, he has the quality to punish any defensive lapses.
The individual battles across the pitch will likely determine the outcome of this encounter. In midfield, the duel between Yann-Erik de Lanlay and Emil Sildnes will be fascinating, with both players possessing the technical ability to dictate the flow of the game. De Lanlay's superior experience at the highest level gives him an edge, but Sildnes's work rate and determination could see him emerge victorious if he can disrupt the Sandnes Ulf playmaker's rhythm. In the attacking third, the matchup between Sandnes Ulf's center-backs and Raufoss's forward duo of Da Silva and Rogulj will be critical. Gullbrandur Øregaard and Espen Berger have formed a solid partnership, but they will need to be at their best to contain the physicality and movement of the Raufoss strikers. Conversely, Raufoss's defense, which has been the weakest in the division, faces the daunting task of keeping Sundgot and Sundberg quiet for ninety minutes, a challenge that few teams have managed successfully this season.
The Managers
Arturo Cleveland (Sandnes Ulf)
Arturo Cleveland took charge of Sandnes Ulf in 2025 and immediately transformed the club's fortunes, guiding them to the 2. divisjon Group 1 title with an impressive 16 wins from 26 matches. His tactical philosophy emphasizes high-tempo football, quick transitions, and aggressive pressing, principles that have served the team well both in their promotion campaign and during their adaptation to the OBOS-ligaen. Cleveland's ability to integrate new signings into a cohesive unit has been one of his standout qualities, with players like Mathias Sundberg and Yann-Erik de Lanlay hitting the ground running under his guidance. The Norwegian coach has also shown a willingness to trust young talent, giving opportunities to prospects like Peder Brekke while maintaining a core of experienced professionals who understand the demands of second-tier football.
Cleveland's approach to this match will likely be proactive, with Sandnes Ulf expected to dominate possession and create chances through their wide players. His record at the Øster Hus Arena has been particularly strong, with the team collecting the majority of their points on home soil. The manager will be aware that Raufoss's defensive vulnerabilities present an opportunity for his side to secure a comfortable victory, but he will also caution against complacency, knowing that desperate teams can produce unexpected results. Cleveland's man-management skills have been praised by players and pundits alike, and his ability to keep the squad motivated during a long season will be crucial as Sandnes Ulf look to establish themselves in mid-table and potentially push for a playoff position.
Ole Petter Berget (Raufoss IL)
Ole Petter Berget was appointed as Raufoss head coach on May 27, 2026, replacing Kasey Wehrman in a last-ditch attempt to salvage the club's season. Berget arrived with a reputation for organizing defensively and getting the best out of limited resources, but he inherited a squad low on confidence and bereft of defensive solidity. In his short time at the helm, Berget has attempted to instill a more disciplined approach, switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation designed to provide greater protection for the back four. However, the results have yet to materialize, with Raufoss continuing to leak goals at an alarming rate. Berget's challenge is not merely tactical but psychological, as he must rebuild a squad that has become accustomed to losing and convince them that survival is still achievable.
Berget's game plan for the trip to Sandnes will likely focus on defensive organization and counter-attacking opportunities. He knows that an open game against a side of Sandnes Ulf's quality could result in a heavy defeat, so expect Raufoss to sit deep and attempt to frustrate the hosts. The manager will look to Emil Sildnes and David de Ornelas to provide the creative spark on the break, while hoping that Filip Da Silva and Adrian Rogulj can capitalize on any defensive errors. Berget's ability to motivate his players and keep them focused for the full ninety minutes will be tested to the limit, as Sandnes Ulf's high-tempo style is designed to wear down opponents and create chances late in matches when legs begin to tire. If Raufoss can survive the early onslaught and reach halftime on level terms, Berget will fancy his chances of snatching a valuable point.
Betting Predictions & Tips
Odds: 1.83
Sandnes Ulf's superior form, home advantage, and dominant head-to-head record make them overwhelming favorites for this encounter. The home side have won three of their last five matches and are coming off a morale-boosting 4-1 victory away to Moss. With Raufoss conceding an average of 2.8 goals per game on their travels and sitting second from bottom in the table, the value lies firmly with a Sandnes Ulf victory. The 1.83 odds available at major bookmakers represent excellent value for a team that has consistently performed well against this opponent at the Øster Hus Arena.
Odds: 1.75
With Raufoss possessing the second-worst defensive record in the division and Sandnes Ulf boasting the in-form striker Ole Sebastian Sundgot, goals are expected to flow freely in this match. The over 2.5 goals market has landed in 71.88% of OBOS-ligaen matches this season, and both teams have shown a propensity for high-scoring games. Sandnes Ulf's last five matches have seen an average of 3.4 goals per game, while Raufoss's fixtures have averaged 3.7 goals per game. The combination of Sandnes Ulf's attacking prowess and Raufoss's defensive frailties makes the over 2.5 goals line a compelling value play at 1.75.
Odds: 2.40
For those seeking higher returns, the Asian handicap market offers an attractive proposition. Sandnes Ulf have won by two or more goals in two of their last five matches, while Raufoss have lost by multiple goals in five of their twelve fixtures this season. The -1 handicap requires Sandnes Ulf to win by at least two goals for a full payout, with a single-goal victory resulting in a stake refund. Given the gulf in form and quality between the two sides, this market provides a safety net while still offering generous odds of 2.40. Raufoss's tendency to collapse defensively in the second half of matches makes this an appealing option for confident bettors.
Odds: 2.10
The Sandnes Ulf striker has been in sensational form this season, netting 7 goals in 12 appearances and establishing himself as one of the most prolific marksmen in the division. His movement, finishing ability, and aerial threat make him a constant danger to opposing defenses, and Raufoss's porous back line is unlikely to keep him quiet for the full ninety minutes. Sundgot has scored in four of his last six matches and will be eager to add to his tally against a side that has conceded 28 goals in just 12 games. At odds of 2.10, backing him to find the net at any point during the match offers solid value for a player in such rich scoring form.
Odds: 11.00
For bettors looking for a higher-risk, higher-reward option, the correct score market presents an intriguing opportunity. Our prediction of a 3-1 victory for Sandnes Ulf is based on the home side's attacking quality and Raufoss's defensive vulnerabilities, combined with the visitors' ability to occasionally find the back of the net despite their struggles. A 3-1 scoreline would reflect Sandnes Ulf's dominance while acknowledging that Raufoss possess enough attacking threat to grab a consolation goal. At odds of 11.00, this represents a speculative but potentially lucrative bet for those willing to take a calculated risk on the exact outcome of the match.
📊 Final Score Prediction
Match Analysis
Our prediction of a 3-1 victory for Sandnes Ulf is grounded in a comprehensive analysis of both teams' form, tactical setups, and historical head-to-head record. Sandnes Ulf's home advantage at the Øster Hus Arena has been a decisive factor throughout the season, with the majority of their points coming on familiar turf. The attacking trio of Ole Sebastian Sundgot, Mathias Sundberg, and Adne Bruseth has developed an understanding that allows them to interchange positions and create overloads in wide areas, a tactic that Raufoss's defensively suspect full-backs will struggle to cope with. We anticipate Sandnes Ulf to control possession and create numerous chances, with Sundgot opening the scoring in the first half before adding a second after the break. Mathias Sundberg is expected to get on the scoresheet as well, capitalizing on a defensive error or a well-worked set-piece routine.
Raufoss, to their credit, have shown resilience in recent weeks despite their poor results, and we expect them to find a consolation goal through either Filip Da Silva or Adrian Rogulj. The visitors' best chance of success lies in catching Sandnes Ulf on the counter-attack, and with the home side likely to push forward in search of goals, there will be spaces for Raufoss's pacey forwards to exploit. However, Raufoss's inability to defend set-pieces and their tendency to concede in clusters should ultimately prove their undoing. Sandnes Ulf's superior quality in midfield, where Yann-Erik de Lanlay and Sander Saugestad should dominate possession, will limit Raufoss's opportunities to build sustained attacks. By the final whistle, we expect the scoreboard to read 3-1 in favor of the home side, a result that would consolidate Sandnes Ulf's position in mid-table while plunging Raufoss deeper into relegation trouble.
Key Insights & Statistics
Ole Sebastian Sundgot blir vår nye nummer 9! / Sandnes Ulf
- Home Dominance: Sandnes Ulf have lost just once at home to Raufoss in their last seven encounters at the Øster Hus Arena, winning four and drawing two.
- Defensive Crisis: Raufoss have conceded 28 goals in 12 matches this season, giving them the second-worst defensive record in the OBOS-ligaen.
- Form Factor: Sandnes Ulf have won three of their last five matches, including a commanding 4-1 victory away to Moss, while Raufoss have lost three of their last five.
- Goal Scoring: Ole Sebastian Sundgot has scored 7 goals in 12 appearances this season, making him one of the most in-form strikers in the division.
- High Scoring League: 71.88% of OBOS-ligaen matches this season have produced over 2.5 goals, with an average of 3.63 goals per game across the division.
- Raufoss Away Woes: Raufoss have conceded an average of 2.8 goals per game on their travels and have kept just one clean sheet away from home all season.
- Head-to-Head: In 14 meetings since 2016, Sandnes Ulf have won 6, Raufoss have won 2, and 6 have ended in draws.
- Managerial Change: Raufoss appointed Ole Petter Berget as head coach on May 27, 2026, but the team has yet to show significant improvement under his stewardship.
- Promotion Momentum: Sandnes Ulf won the 2. divisjon Group 1 title in 2025 with 16 wins from 26 matches, and their promotion momentum has carried into the current campaign.
- Key Absences: Both sides are relatively injury-free heading into this fixture, with no major suspensions reported for either team.
Conclusion
This OBOS-ligaen fixture presents a clear opportunity for Sandnes Ulf to capitalize on their home advantage and extend their impressive head-to-head record against a Raufoss IL side that is struggling for form, confidence, and defensive organization. The home team's attacking quality, led by the prolific Ole Sebastian Sundgot and supported by the creative talents of Yann-Erik de Lanlay and Mathias Sundberg, should prove too much for a Raufoss defense that has shipped 28 goals in just 12 matches. Arturo Cleveland's side have shown they can dominate possession and create chances in bunches, particularly at the Øster Hus Arena, where the familiar surroundings and vocal support provide an extra edge that visiting teams find difficult to overcome.
For Raufoss, the challenge is monumental. Ole Petter Berget has had limited time to implement his ideas since taking over in late May, and the squad's defensive frailties are deeply ingrained after months of poor performances. While the visitors possess enough attacking threat through Filip Da Silva and Adrian Rogulj to trouble Sandnes Ulf on the counter, their inability to maintain defensive discipline for ninety minutes makes a positive result unlikely. The psychological burden of sitting second from bottom in the table, combined with the knowledge that Sandnes Ulf have historically had the upper hand in this fixture, could weigh heavily on the Raufoss players from the opening whistle. Unless Berget can conjure a tactical masterclass and his players produce a performance well above their recent standards, Raufoss are likely to return home empty-handed.
From a betting perspective, the markets strongly favor Sandnes Ulf, and the evidence supports this consensus. The home win at 1.83 represents solid value, while the over 2.5 goals line at 1.75 appeals given both teams' involvement in high-scoring matches this season. For those seeking bigger returns, the correct score of 3-1 at 11.00 aligns with our prediction and offers an attractive payout for a scenario that is well within the realms of possibility. Ultimately, this match should serve as a platform for Sandnes Ulf to showcase their promotion credentials and move further clear of the relegation zone, while Raufoss must regroup quickly if they are to avoid being cut adrift at the bottom of the OBOS-ligaen table. We anticipate an entertaining encounter with goals at both ends, but Sandnes Ulf's superior quality and home advantage should see them emerge with a comfortable 3-1 victory.