Fredrikstad FK vs IK Start: Eliteserien Preview
Fredrikstad FK host IK Start in an Eliteserien fixture today at 17:00, with the home side looking to build momentum after a mixed recent run. Fredrikstad's record of one win, two draws and two losses in their last five matches contrasts with Start's struggles, who have won just once in their most recent five outings. The head-to-head record favours the hosts significantly, with Fredrikstad holding four wins to Start's two from their last ten meetings, though four draws suggest this fixture often produces competitive contests.
Form Guide: Fredrikstad Seeking Consistency
Fredrikstad FK's recent form reads DWLLD, indicating an inconsistent period that has seen them alternate between positive and negative results. The sequence suggests vulnerability in consecutive matches, with losses sandwiched between draws and a single victory. This pattern reflects a side struggling to build sustained momentum, though the presence of draws indicates they are capable of competing without necessarily finding the breakthrough required for three points.
IK Start's form of DLLLW is considerably more concerning, with three consecutive defeats preceding their sole recent victory. This run represents a significant period of underperformance and suggests the visitors arrive in Fredrikstad with confidence issues. The single win in their last five matches provides minimal basis for optimism, and Start will be aware that their defensive or attacking vulnerabilities have been exposed repeatedly in recent weeks.
Head-to-Head Record: Fredrikstad's Historical Advantage
The historical record between these sides strongly favours Fredrikstad FK. In their last ten meetings, Fredrikstad have won four matches compared to IK Start's two victories, with four draws completing the record. This 4-2-4 split demonstrates a clear pattern of Fredrikstad dominance, particularly in their ability to avoid defeat. The frequency of draws in this fixture—40 per cent of recent meetings—suggests both sides are capable of cancelling each other out, though Fredrikstad's superior win rate indicates they more often find the extra quality required to break the deadlock.
For IK Start, the head-to-head record represents a significant psychological hurdle. Winning away at a ground where you have historically struggled is a demanding task, particularly when arriving in poor form. Fredrikstad's home advantage, combined with their superior record in this fixture, positions them as clear favourites. Start will need to overturn both recent form and historical trends to leave Østfold with a positive result.
Tactical Outlook: Home Advantage and Defensive Concerns
Fredrikstad's mixed recent form suggests a side that may be vulnerable to a well-organised opponent, despite their home advantage. The alternating pattern of results indicates they are neither consistently strong defensively nor reliably clinical in attack. Against an IK Start side in poor form, Fredrikstad should be able to control possession and territory, but their inability to string together consecutive wins raises questions about their ability to capitalise on such dominance.
IK Start's three-game losing streak implies significant tactical or personnel issues that have not been resolved. Whether defensive fragility, attacking impotence, or both, the visitors face a difficult assignment against a home side that, despite inconsistency, will be expected to win this fixture. Start's sole recent victory suggests they retain some capability, but they will need to demonstrate marked improvement from their last three performances to avoid extending their poor run.
What the Recent Record Tells Us
The data available points to a fixture that should favour Fredrikstad FK. The home side's superior head-to-head record, combined with IK Start's poor current form, creates a clear narrative. However, Fredrikstad's own inconsistency—evidenced by their DWLLD sequence—suggests they are not in peak condition to capitalise on their advantages. This is not a fixture where the home side can afford complacency.
The frequency of draws in the head-to-head record (four in ten meetings) indicates that a stalemate remains a plausible outcome. Both sides may approach this match cautiously, particularly given their recent struggles. For Fredrikstad, a draw would represent a continuation of their mixed form; for Start, it would represent a positive result given their current trajectory. A win for either side would carry significance given the context of their recent performances.
Frequently asked questions
When does Fredrikstad FK vs IK Start kick off?
The match kicks off at 17:00 today in the Eliteserien.
What is Fredrikstad FK's recent form?
Fredrikstad's last five matches show one draw, one win, two losses and one draw (DWLLD), indicating inconsistent recent performance.
What is IK Start's recent form?
IK Start's last five matches show one draw, three losses and one win (DLLLW), representing a difficult period with only one victory in five games.
What does the head-to-head record show?
In their last ten meetings, Fredrikstad FK have won four matches, IK Start have won two, and there have been four draws. Fredrikstad hold a clear historical advantage in this fixture.
Who is favoured to win based on recent form and history?
Fredrikstad FK are favoured based on both their superior head-to-head record and the fact that IK Start are in significantly poorer recent form. However, Fredrikstad's own inconsistency means this is not a straightforward fixture.
Where to watchWatch Fredrikstad FK vs IK Start at 17:00 today to see whether the home side can convert their historical advantage and superior form into three points, or whether IK Start can upset the narrative and arrest their recent decline.
AI-assisted analysis based on pre-match form, head-to-head and odds data. Not betting advice.
