Fredrikstad vs Start prediction 29.05.2026 | Eliteserien

After two top-half seasons, it seems that Fredrikstad could have many more problems this year. After ten league rounds, they are only one point above the relegation zone. The last few weeks were tough for Fredrikstad, but with four points in the last two matches, it seems that Casper Rojkjaer's team is returning to the right track. In the most recent outing, Fredrikstad played 1-1 on the road against Sandefjord. The visitors were close to defeat, but their dominance in the final third of the game was enough for an equalizer and one point.

The game on Monday was Casper Rojkjaer's coaching debut. The 33-year-old Dane previously was an assistant in Nordsjaelland, and a job in Fredrikstad is a great opportunity for Rojkjaer. In his first interview after signing the contract, Rojkjaer explained what supporters can expect from Fredrikstad under his leadership: "I want us to be able to dominate games with the ball. We shouldn't just stand there and play it around, but we should be skilled with it so we can create chances."

Sigurd Kvile, Johannes Nunez, Leonard Owusu, and Salomon Owusu are injured and will not play on Friday.

After five seasons, Start returned to the Norwegian top flight. However, they could quickly return to OBOS-Ligaen, as they collected only seven points in 11 league matches and are at the bottom of the standings. Start opened the campaign with ten winless games in a row before they finally beat Valerenga 2-0 in their most recent outing. That match was fairly even, but the hosts' much better efficiency was enough for all three points that time. 

Start's biggest problem is their terrible defense. They conceded 26 goals in 11 league matches and are by far the worst team in that segment in the competition. Head coach Azar Karadas must quickly find a solution at the back if Start wants to have any realistic chance of surviving in the Eliteserien.

Start have huge problems with missing players, too. They will be without Jasper Torkildsen, Kristoffer Tonnesen, Marius Nordal, and Johan Meyer. Also, Omar Jebali, Erlend Reitan, Eirik Schulze, and Altin Ujkani are questionable and their statuses will be clearer closer to the kickoff.