Brann are not that consistent this season and lost almost half of their home matches. I am backing the reigning champions Viking to claim an important victory on Friday.
Key Stats
- Brann have lost 5 of their last 11 home matches (Eliteserien).
- Brann have seen BTTS in 5 of their last 6 matches against Viking.
- Viking have won their last 2 matches against Brann.
- Viking have won their last 3 matches.
- Viking have seen BTTS in 9 of their last 11 matches.
58-Year-Old Rivalry
This is going to be the 106th time these two teams lock horns and Viking hold a 49-33 advantage in terms of victories.
Brann Underperforming This Season
Brann are failing to replicate their results from the previous Eliteserien season which they finished in 4th place, collecting just 29 points in 21 games so far and occupying 7th position.
Early September was rough for them, registering back to back defeats against Lillestrom 2-1 at home and 2-0 to Start on the road, then struggling against a lower-division side OS in the Norwegian Cup but getting away with a 2-1 win.
Just before the international break, Brann pulled an upset by defeating prime title candidates Bodo/Glimt 2-1 at home. They had just two shots on target here, lower possession and 0.75-1.34 expected goals.
Red-Hot Viking
Viking picked up good form just before the international break, claiming three straight victories across competitions and currently share first place on the Eliteserien table with Bodo/Glimt with nine rounds remaining.
During this run, they demolished Kristiansund 8-0 at home, followed by two more 3-0 victories against Lillestrom and Madla IL (Norwegian Cup).
This is also a historic season for Viking since they made it to the UEFA Champions League group stage, while leaving a solid impression in the debut against Stuttgart, losing 3-1 in an open contest.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Brann (4-3-3) Mathias Dyngeland; Denzel De Roeve, Thore Baardsen Pedersen, Cheikh Mbacke Diop, Vetle Dragsnes; Kristian Eriksen, Jacob Lungi Sorensen, Felix Horn Myhre; Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson, Noah Jean Holm, Bard Finne
Kristall Mani Ingason is unavailable due to a suspension, alongside long-term injury absentees Sondre Tronstad, Sakarias Opsahl, and Nana Kwame Boakye.
Kristall Mani Ingason is unavailable due to a suspension, alongside long-term injury absentees Sondre Tronstad, Sakarias Opsahl, and Nana Kwame Boakye.
Viking (4-3-3) Lubomir Belko; Herman Haugen, Henrik Heggheim, Henrik Falchener, Kristoffer Haugen; Kristoffer Askildsen, Joe Bell, Simen Kvia-Egeskog; Peter Christiansen, Hilmir Rafn Mikaelsson, Zlatko Tripic
Central defender Anders Baertelsen, right-back Sondre Bjorshol, and forward Veton Berisha are sidelined through injury.
Central defender Anders Baertelsen, right-back Sondre Bjorshol, and forward Veton Berisha are sidelined through injury.