warlock Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 3 hours ago, Stuniverse said: any you would play as a BWM For me, the combination of tackle harder (preset for BWM) and 'dives into tackles' is a problem. Almost guaranteed yellow/red cards. Good start to the season - keep it up 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 6 hours ago, warlock said: For me, the combination of tackle harder (preset for BWM) and 'dives into tackles' is a problem. Almost guaranteed yellow/red cards. Yeah, I agree with you @warlock and that's on me as I went with the role and didn't think to look at the BWM presets. That said, I'm now liking the way the Half-Back drops back between the two central defenders. This allows me to push the two full-backs / (wing-backs) on more should I need to. 7 hours ago, warlock said: Good start to the season - keep it up Thank you. I'm delighted with the start we've made and was ecstatic after we won 2-1 at Bodø/Glimt. Bodø/Glimt have won the Eliteserien title every season on this save, apart from last season when they finished second to Brann. They've lost four already this season so it feels like Bodø/Glimt are in decline. We'll have a much better idea after this month's fixtures whether we deserve to be up there as we visit Molde (3rd) and Brann (4th). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Preview Molde (3rd) v Viking (2nd) Eliteserien -- -- Hopefully we'll have all the walking wounded back in full training this month. -- Expected Lineup Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Sunday 6th May 2028 Molde (3rd) v Viking (2nd) Eliteserien -- -- -- What a game! We started brightly but, then, fell behind to Molde's first attack of the game. We controlled possession but were our own worst enemies, giving the ball away too often and not getting any of our attempts on target. We changed to Work Ball Into Box and that improved us. We took Lasse Berg Johnsen off part way through the first-half, he wanted to stay on but I don't want to take any risks this early in the season. We'll see how his ankle is tomorrow. By half-time we were level after Gaetano Oristanio equalised for us. The second-half was a tale of two penalties. Oscar Aga saw his spot-kick tipped round the post and Molde scored their's. Including pre-season, we've now had four penalties saved and scored none. It's baffling, to be honest, given we have good penalty takers. It looked like we were going to lose, harshly, but late, late, late in added-on time, Oscar Bobb made it 2-2 with a wonderful individual goal. -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Preview Viking (2nd) v Sarpsborg (11th) Eliteserien -- -- -- Expected Lineup Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Tuesday 16th May 2028 Viking (2nd) v Sarpsborg (11th) Eliteserien -- -- -- That was a superb performance by the players and I'm thrilled we could put on a real show for the almost 15,500 Viking fans inside a sellout 15.719 attendance at the SR-Bank Arena. The atmosphere was incredible. We controlled the match from start to finish and, on another day, we could've scored even more. I even had the luxury of giving some players who hadn't had much playing time this season a good 35 minutes run-out. Only two things marred the day really. Sarpsborg's consolation goal although, credit to them, they never gave up. The other thing was an injury to Lucas Forsberg on his Viking debut. We've gone top of Eliteserien but it's vital we don't get carried away and keep our feet on the ground. Next up we go to second placed Brann which will be a really good litmus test for us. -- 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 (edited) Preview Brann (2nd) v Viking (1st) Eliteserien -- Not only is this a big away game against Brann in the Best i vest Derby but it's also first against second. We want to win this one for the Viking supporters but we want to win it for ourselves as well to prove we are serious Eliteserien title contenders. -- -- -- Expected Lineup Edited February 20 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
I have nothing to say Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 I tend to play either a deep lying mid support paired with a ball winner mid support or a central mid support, so I do occasionally use a BWM Agree guaranteed yellow card magnet but that's just something you have to accept. You also need to bare in mind that BWM's won't really hold position as they are chasing the ball down, so can leave a gap in the midfield - so no good paring then with a roaming playmaker as they'll both bugger off and leave you wide open. They can be useful though - as a real life example consider the difference at Derby since Adams came in compared to Bird or Hourihane who I guess would be considered defensive deep laying playmakers. Never bother with a defensive BWM, if you want a defensive mid then do central mid Def or play an anchor man. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 (edited) Sunday 21st May 2028 Brann (2nd) v Viking (1st) Eliteserien -- -- -- I can't tell you how proud I am of the Viking players today. Everything was going against us and, yet, somehow, they found a way to overcome that adversity and win the Best i vest Derby. We started the game well, we were looking comfortable, and then the referee awarded Brann a penalty for a foul by David Brekalo. I thought he won the ball fair and square but VAR said penalty and bang... we were one down. Then, an incredible last few minutes of the first-half, a roller-coaster of emotions, and the game changed on its head. Lasse Berg Johnsen slid in hard, took out his man, and was rightly sent off on 43 minutes. I'd have understood if the players heads dropped but, incredibly, Yorbe Vertessen equalised on 45+2 and two minutes later Osar Aga gave us the lead. My backroom staff wanted us to park the bus for the second-half but, daft as it sounds, even with only 10 players I thought we had the upper-hand. We stayed as we were, made a few substitutions, and Yorbe Vertessen scored his second, and our third, on 74 minutes. As we approached added-on time, Brann pulled it back to 2-3 and then we did park the bus. We saw the final few minutes out for an unbelievable 3-2 away win in the Best i vest Derby against Brann. -- Edited February 20 by Stuniverse 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 @XaW what does "Best i vest" mean in "Best i vest Derby"? Brann v Viking. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 13 minutes ago, I have nothing to say said: I tend to play either a deep lying mid support paired with a ball winner mid support or a central mid support, so I do occasionally use a BWM Agree guaranteed yellow card magnet but that's just something you have to accept. You also need to bare in mind that BWM's won't really hold position as they are chasing the ball down, so can leave a gap in the midfield - so no good paring then with a roaming playmaker as they'll both bugger off and leave you wide open. They can be useful though - as a real life example consider the difference at Derby since Adams came in compared to Bird or Hourihane who I guess would be considered defensive deep laying playmakers. Never bother with a defensive BWM, if you want a defensive mid then do central mid Def or play an anchor man. Thanks for the advice, @I have nothing to say Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
XaW Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 5 minutes ago, Stuniverse said: @XaW what does "Best i vest" mean in "Best i vest Derby"? Brann v Viking. Best in the west They are the two historically best teams in the western part of the country, simple as that! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 (edited) 1 minute ago, XaW said: Best in the west They are the two historically best teams in the western part of the country, simple as that! Cool. I like that. Thank you, @XaW Edited February 20 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
warlock Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Nothing better than a win against a manager who trash-talks you before the game. To do it with 10 men is beautiful 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 8 minutes ago, warlock said: Nothing better than a win against a manager who trash-talks you before the game. To do it with 10 men is beautiful I know it was amazing, @warlock - probably my favourite single game of football on this save. That six minute period just before half-time, when we were 0-1 down, then had a man sent off, then equalised and then took a 2-1 lead was unbelievable. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Preview Viking (Tier 1) v Jerv (Tier 2) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen First Round) -- -- -- Expected Lineup Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Wednesday 24th May 2028 Viking (Tier 1) v Jerv (Tier 2) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen First Round) -- -- -- I thought we were on top in this Cupen match for long periods. We deservedly took the lead but then we were unable to add to it. Jerv equalised against the run of play just before the hour with their only shot on target in the whole match. I was always confident that we would emerge victorious but, the longer the game went on at 1-1, you can never be so sure. Football can be harsh at times. But, late though it was, 90+4 minutes to be precise, we did get the winner our overall performance deserved. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 I saw your boy Oscar Bobb playing for Man City against Brentford today. I had it while playng FM.....lol! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 (edited) 3 minutes ago, Hootieleece said: I saw your boy Oscar Bobb playing for Man City against Brentford today. I had it while playng FM.....lol! Yes. Oscar Bobb is breaking into the Manchester City squad in real-life. How did he do, @Hootieleece? Last season, @I have nothing to say and me watched Oscar Bobb play for Manchester City U21s against Derby County at Pride Park in the Papa Johns Trophy. Edited February 20 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Preview Viking (1st) v Odds Ballklubb (12th) Eliteserien -- -- -- Expected Lineup Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 4 minutes ago, Stuniverse said: Yes. Oscar Bobb is breaking into the Manchester City squad in real-life. How did he do, @Hootieleece? He played pretty well for a young player. You must be thrilled to have such a talent in your Viking Team. Even though I hate Man City I must say they have good players. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Saturday 27th May 2028 Viking (1st) v Odds Ballklubb (12th) Eliteserien -- -- -- We made hard work of this one, even though the 4-2 scoreline looks comfortable, I can assure you it wasn't. I have to be honest, it was strange managing against Odds Ballklubb, the team I've supported my entire life, but today I was manager of Viking not an Oddrane fan. Of course, though, I feel for Knut Rønningene who was sacked by Odds Ballklubb after the match. -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 (edited) Episode 71 - 1st May 2028 | Top of Eliteserien "My Agent Calls" -- Stuniverse: Hi, Hedda. How are you? Hedda Berg: I'm good, thanks. Congratulations on Viking being Top of Elitserien. Stuniverse: Thank you. Hedda Berg: I know you know about Knut Ronningene. How are you feeling? Stuniverse: It's tough. I'll be honest with you. I've supported Oddrane my whole life. It was strange managing Viking against Odds Ballklubb but for Odd to sack Knut after we'd beaten them at our SR-Bank Arena... it's very surreal. I feel guilty. Hedda Berg: Don't feel guilty. It's football. It's sad, but it's how football management works. You were sacked yourself at Loddefjord and look at you now. Stuniverse: Yeah, things are going very well at Viking. Much better than I expected. But I hate to see Odds Ballklubb in a relegation battle. Hedda Berg: That's kind of why I'm ringing. I know Oddrane is the football club you support, and I know you've always said it's your dream job, so now that the Odds Ballklubb manager's job is available, it would be remiss of me not to check-in with you and see how you were feeling. Stuniverse: Managing Oddrane would be my dream job and one day I would love to manage Odds Ballklubb, but right now I'm loving life at Viking, we're top of Eliteserien and have a real shot at the title and, even if we don't win Eliteserien, we should qualify for Europe at least. Hedda Berg: Bad timing? Stuniverse: Yeah, I think it's come at the wrong time for me. Hedda Berg: So, I'm taking it you don't want me to contact Odds Ballklubb on your behalf. Stuniverse: No. I don't want to apply for the job. One day, maybe, hopefully... but not right now. Hedda Berg: And what if Odd reach out to you through me? It's common knowledge you're an Oddrane fan. Stuniverse: If they do, I guess we'll talk again but, otherwise, I hope they appoint someone who can keep them up. Hedda Berg: OK. I'll do nothing. It's funny how these things work out though, isn't it, you host them again in two days time in Cupen. Stuniverse: Yeah. I wish we were playing someone else to be honest. Anyone else. Hedda Berg: Just be professional. Good luck. Stuniverse: Thank you. Edited February 20 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 (edited) Preview Viking (Tier 1) v Odds Ballklubb (Tier 1) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen Second Round) -- -- -- Expected Lineup Edited February 20 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Tuesday 30th May 2028 Viking (Tier 1) v Odds Ballklubb (Tier 1) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen Second Round) -- -- -- This Cupen game was a lot more comfortable than a few days ago when we played Odd in Eliteserien. As a lifelong Oddrane fan I'm not sure I'll ever get used to managing against Odds Ballklubb. But I'm professional enough to do the job I'm paid to do and, whilst I don't take any pleasure from beating Odd, I'm delighted that we're through to the next round of Cupen. The most pleasing thing today was that we finally scored a penalty. At the fifth time of asking. Oscar Aga, who'd seen two penalty kicks saved this season, confidently stepped up, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, and scored his spot-kick. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Episode 71 - 1st June 2028 | Top of Eliteserien "Viking Squad" -- Appearances -- Reports Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Episode 71 - 1st June 2028 | Top of Eliteserien "Cupen Fourth Round Draw | Round of 32" -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Episode 71 - 1st June 2028 | Top of Eliteserien "Manedens Trener / Spiller and Best Defence" -- May Manedens Trener I came second again. -- May Manedens Spiller -- Best Defence Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 (edited) Episode 71 - 1st June 2028 | Top of Eliteserien "Al-Ettifaq want our goalkeeper" -- Spoiler I wouldn’t want to lose Patrik Gunnarsson because he’s been superb between the sticks. But if we could get close to the top end of his valuation around £4M that would be very good money for Viking. My concern though, not least because I’d only get £4K reinvested in the transfer budget, is would we be able to get a quality replacement? If we couldn’t, that may well derail our title push. Edited February 21 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Episode 71 - 1st June 2028 | Top of Eliteserien "Monthly Review" -- Results -- Board Confidence -- Supporter Confidence -- Finances -- Dynamics Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Episode 71 - 1st June 2028 | Top of Eliteserien "UEFA European Championships" -- Norway Drawn In Group F -- International Call-ups David Brekalo is already away with Slovenia on International Duty. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 (edited) Friday 2nd June 2028 Until Next Time... ... when we'll only have two Eliteserien matches and one Cupen game because of the UEFA European Championships. June's Fixtures -- Thoughts, comments, general feedback appreciated. Any questions, just ask and I'll answer them if I can. Thank you for reading and following. Until next time... Edited February 21 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Preview Vålerenga (7th) v Viking (1st) Eliteserien -- -- -- Expected Lineup Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 (edited) Sunday 4th June 2028 Vålerenga (7th) v Viking (1st) Eliteserien -- -- -- -- We just weren't ourselves today and it's both disappointing and frustrating as we can't put our finger on why. Vålerenga were well organised and, despite us seeing plenty of the ball, we couldn't break them down. Their first goal came against the run of play when they hit us with an incisive counter-attack. The second came from a harsh penalty for hand ball. We tried Positive an d Attacking, we tried pushing the full-backs on as wing-backs, we tried Work Ball Into Box and Hit Early Crosses but Vålerenga were too good defensively for us today. We may have to consider starting each half on Balanced, rather than Positive, if this trend continues. -- Edited February 21 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 (edited) Saturday 10th June 2028 Eliteserien Stabæk, who we play next in Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen Third Round), dropped into the relegation playoff spot and sacked their manager. Edited February 21 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Saturday 10th June 2028 Odds Ballklubb appoint new manager -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 (edited) Preview Stabæk (Tier 1) v Viking (Tier 1) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen Third Round) -- Having lost to our rivals Stabæk in Eliteserien earlier this season, we really want to get the Cupen win for the Viking supporters. -- We almost have a clean bill of health. -- Expected Lineup It's always difficult preparing for a match against a team that's just sacked their manager. We have no idea how Stabæk will approach this Cupen match. Edited February 21 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Wednesday 14th June 2028 Stabæk (Tier 1) v Viking (Tier 1) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen Third Round) -- -- -- I'm delighted we were able to beat Stabæk for our supporters. The match was fairly even, to be honest, and we struggled to get any of our attempts on target. Fortunately, for us, neither did Stabæk. We made changes as the game progressed. We pushed the full-backs on as wing-backs, we changed the wing-backs, we changed the strikers. With time running out, substitute Oscar Aga hit the post. That was our best chance but, on 90 minutes, we created an even better chance and, with our first shot on target, Oscar Aga scored what proved to be the winning goal. Our next match is in 11 days time so we'll give the squad, those of them not on International Duty, a few days off. -- 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Saturday 17th June 2028 Eliteserien Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Thursday 22nd June 2028 Eliteserien Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Preview Viking (1st) v Åsane (9th) Eliteserien -- -- -- Expected Lineup I'm sorry for David Brekalo that Slovenia failed to qualify from the UEFA European Championships Group Stages, but I'm delighted to have our captain back, healthy, and available for us. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 (edited) Sunday 25th June 2028 Viking (1st) v Åsane (9th) Eliteserien -- Yesterday's Result -- -- -- We had to be patient today. It took an hour before we finally broke through Åsane's defences but, in the end, we comfortably won 3-0. -- Edited February 21 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 21 Share Posted February 21 Looking back at our discussion of DM-BWM's and your candidates. Since you went with Bakke as your Halfback. with his ppm (get further forward), Does he actually act more like a Libero in your system? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Preview Strømsgodset (Tier 1) v Viking (Tier 1) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen Fourth Round) -- I had a chat with Isak Amundsen as he was unhappy with his playing time. I told him it would be better if he thought of himself as a squad player, but he wasn't happy with that. I told him I'd start him in a few games but I needed him to prove he deserved to keep the Viking shirt. -- Expected Lineup -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 1 minute ago, Hootieleece said: Looking back at our discussion of DM-BWM's and your candidates. Since you went with Bakke as your Halfback. with his ppm (get further forward), Does he actually act more like a Libero in your system? That's an interesting question, @Hootieleece for which I don't have an interesting answer. I actually went for Tobias Børkeeiet but, as he's been injured recently, Johan Bakke has filled in. Spoiler I've seen them both drop back between the centre-backs but, after that, I've not really noticed. Bakke will start the Cupen match against Strømsgodset so I'll keep an eye on him and let you know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 (edited) Wednesday 28th June 2028 Strømsgodset (Tier 1) v Viking (Tier 1) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen Fourth Round) -- -- We were good value for our win against Strømsgodset. I thought we controlled the game from first whistle to last. It's just a shame we couldn't keep the clean sheet. -- -- Edited February 21 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 47 minutes ago, Hootieleece said: Looking back at our discussion of DM-BWM's and your candidates. Since you went with Bakke as your Halfback. with his ppm (get further forward), Does he actually act more like a Libero in your system? I kept a close eye on Johan Bakke in our Cupen match against Strømsgodset (I watch all matches on extended highlights). Based on the role descriptions above then yes, @Hootieleece, there are definite Libero elements in the way Bakke plays that role. The recent form stats for Johan Bakke and Tobias Borkeeiet are below: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Episode 72 - 1st July 2028 | Cupen Expectation Met "Cupen is Wide Open" -- -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Episode 72 - 1st July 2028 | Cupen Expectation Met "Viking Squad" -- Appearances -- Player Reports Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Episode 72 - 1st July 2028 | Cupen Expectation Met "Monthly Review" -- Results -- Board Confidence -- Supporter Confidence -- Finances -- Dynamics Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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