There may be only one giant in Norwegian football but behind Rosenborg of Trondheim there are a number of contenders scrambling for honours. Aalesund have recently managed to establish themselves in the top flight but have generally struggled against relegation. They were playing in the lower level as recently as 2006 and since their latest promotion haven't been able to finish higher than 11th in the table.
That is going to change this year though. While they haven't been able to maintain the frantic pace they set at the begining of this campaign, they are still sitting in fourth place and challenging for another European spot. They may not have deserved to defeat Valerenga in their game last weekend but having a good goalkeeper who kept them in the contest before they were able to snatch a late winner is not cheating. Anders Lindegaard is the clear number one despite wearing the number 13 jersey ,while the defence in front of him is solid but rarely spectacular. Daniel Arnefjord is a regular in the heart of the back four which has a real international make up with a Finn and Estonian joining the Swede.
Another Swede, Johan Arneng, is the heart and soul of the midfield and he looks to dictate the play. Carlsen and Parr have recently returned to fitness and are the most likely to join him although Olsen or Larsen are further alternatives. Parr, who has been capped by Norway, will also feature at some point. Athough Trond Fredriksen is not always a regular these days, he is an Aalesund stalwart and will be anxious to shine on the big occasion. The three man attack works with one massive target for long balls, Tor Hogne Aaroy, trying to play in others alongside him. Pablo Barrantes is skilful and quick and also a prime candidate for a 'heavy slap' from Lasley or Craigan early on but Flotres and Mathisen are less impressive and we will expect to handle them with few problems.
Aalesund are a side we would have firmly expected to beat just a few months ago in May but since losing Ruddy, O'Brien, Coke and Jutkiewicz we are undeniably weaker. A draw would be a great result away from home but Aalesund have won nearly half of their own away games this campaign so Craig Brown will be aware that the job will very much be only half done on Thursday evening.