Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Norwegian Eliteserien clash between SK Brann and Molde, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
SK Brann will host Molde this Sunday in their latest Norwegian Eliteserien fixture, bringing two of the strongest teams from the start of the season against each other.
The home side could finish the weekend top of the league, while the visitors are attempting to push into the top three with a victory from this match.
Match preview
Brann have made an impressive start to this campaign, having only lost one of their opening 10 matches which has left the club in second place heading into this weekend.
However, Eirik Horneland‘s men were held to a 2-2 draw against newly promoted side Kristiansund during their most recent outing, although his team did showcase real spirit by coming back from behind twice.
Despite dropping two points in midweek, Brann still have the opportunity to finish the weekend as the league leaders if they can pick up a win here providing Bodo/Glimt do not win.
Even though Brann’s only defeat of the season did take place at home, they have been dominant in front of their fans by winning their four other matches.
A big reason they have been strong in home fixtures is because of their defensive performances as Brann have only conceded three goals in five home fixtures so far this season.
The visitors have been slightly less consistent this season, having won five, drawn two, and lost three, but they are still in a great league position.
Sitting in fourth place, Molde will be looking to put some real pressure on Brann as they could end up being just a point behind them if the away side can take three points from this game.
Molde could break into the top three with a victory as it would lead to them overtaking Fredrikstad as long as they drop points themselves.
It was a disappointing performance in midweek though for Molde as they ended up suffering a heavy 4-2 loss, with the defensive side of the game being something they most focus on moving forwards.
Despite that, Erling Moe‘s men have been impressive at the other end of the pitch as they are the second-highest-scoring club in the league currently.
SK Brann Norwegian Eliteserien form:
Molde Norwegian Eliteserien form:
Team News
Brann have been dealing with a lot of injuries early on in the season, particularly when it comes to the midfield as they have four players missing.
Niklas Wassberg is dealing with a knee issue while Jonas Torsvik has a groin problem. Elsewhere Thore Baardsen Pedersen has a thigh injury while Mads Sande is sidelined because of his ACL.
The visitors are also dealing with their own injury as Veton Berisha is on the sidelines which has been the case since March.
However, they have a major attacking threat in the form of Magnus Eikrem, who will be looking to continue his impressive start to the season.
SK Brann possible starting lineup:
Dyngeland; Crone, Sery, Knudsen, Kristiansen; Kornvig, Nilsen, Myhre; Blomberg, Heggeboe, Castro
Molde possible starting lineup:
Posiadala; Hagelskjaer, Oyvann, Amundsen; Lovik, Breivik, Kaasa, Eriksen, Stenevik; Eikrem, Gulbrandsen
We say: SK Brann 2-2 Molde
Both teams will bring lots of confidence into this particular fixture, with their early season form showcasing the qualities that they each possess.
That could lead to them sharing points this weekend though as they could end up cancelling each other out.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.