According to official sources, Noa Williams spent two and a half years at Fredrikstad before transferring from Kongsvinger to Sarpsborg 08 in the winter. Switching clubs between the two rivals is unpopular among supporters, according to official sources. Both teams have lost four of their first seven matches, with Fredrikstad in 12th place and Sarpsborg 08 in 13th place.
Fredrikstad head coach Andreas Hagen previously coached Noa Williams. According to NRK Østfold, Hagen described Williams as a fantastic person and said he wishes him all the best, but not in this match. Hagen also noted that the derby means a little extra for the fans.
Last season, Fredrikstad received fines totaling 16,500 kroner for supporter misconduct, including throwing a bottle onto the pitch and illegal flares, according to official sources. Last year's match in Fredrikstad cost the police up to 300,000 kroner, official sources said. According to NRK Østfold, Williams described the match as an important league match and an opportunity to turn their form around.