Following a disappointing draw against Sandefjord, Rosenborg faces a tough challenge as they prepare to meet reigning champions Viking in the 7th round of the Eliteserien on May 1, 2026. The Trondheim-based team, who also drew against Brann recently, has had an inconsistent start to the season, putting pressure on manager Johansson's squad.

Viking, who secured their first league championship since 1991 last year, has conversely started the new season strongly. Despite an away loss to HamKam (1-2), the Stavanger club has won all their other matches, including an impressive 5-0 victory over Bodø/Glimt and a 2-1 win against Fredrikstad. Their form curve is sharply on the rise.

Rosenborg has struggled to reclaim its former glory. After finishing seventh in 2025 with 42 points, they began this season with three consecutive losses. A home victory against Sarpsborg (2-1) offered a brief respite, but subsequent draws against Sandefjord and Brann indicate the team is still searching for stability.

Statistics underscore the differences between the teams. Champions Viking have made a powerful start to their title defense, averaging 2.67 goals scored and conceding one goal per game. Johansson’s Rosenborg, in contrast, averages just 0.5 goals scored and 1.33 conceded per game, reflecting their ongoing challenges.

In their last four official encounters, Viking has won twice against Rosenborg and suffered only one defeat. With Viking as the league leader and playing at home, betting expert Benjamin Mcneil anticipates a confident victory for the hosts. He recommends betting on Viking with a '-1 goal' handicap, at odds of 1.62, based on Viking's five straight wins and Rosenborg's unstable performances.