MX23RW : Tuesday, November 5 05:02:49| >> :600:6150189:6150189:
[monks data]
Norwegian Eliteserien | Gameweek 11
Jun 24, 2023 at 5pm UK
SR-Bank Arena

Viking FK
3 - 1
Brann

Tripic (41' pen., 75'), Salvesen (69')
Yazbek (49'), Diop (86')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Finne (32')
Pallesen Knudsen (60'), Heltne Nilsen (64'), Torsvik (90')

Preview: Viking FK vs. SK Brann - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Norwegian Eliteserien clash between Viking FK and SK Brann, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Viking FK will be aiming to move one point behind SK Brann in the Norwegian Eliteserien table by beating them on Saturday.

The visitors, meanwhile, are 10 points behind runaway leaders Bodo/Glimt.


Match preview

Scott Wright pictured for Aberdeen against Viking FK in September 2020© Reuters

Having fallen to the second tier of Norwegian football for the first time in almost 30 years when succumbing to relegation in 2017, Viking have bounced back strongly to re-establish themselves in the top division.

De Morkebla lifted the nation's domestic cup for the first time in 18 years in their first season back at the top level, which rewarded them with qualification for the Europa League for the first time in more than a decade.

Viking went on to finish third in 2021, with a Europa Conference League place the by-product of that particular achievement, but their standards dropped last time around with an 11th-placed finish.

Managed by two head coaches in the form of Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen, Viking appear likely to be in store for a more successful season this time around, with back-to-back away wins in recent weeks seeing them move up to fourth in the table ahead of hosting Brann on Saturday.

The visitors, meanwhile, suffered a shock relegation themselves two seasons ago, before bouncing back at the first attempt by lifting the first division last time out.

Brann established themselves as one of Norway's strongest teams in the mid-2000's, regularly qualifying for Europe before winning only the club's third domestic title in 2007.

More sensationally than bouncing back at the first attempt, which was to be expected for a club of their standing and resources, Eirik Horneland and his players won the Norwegian Cup despite being a second-tier side, with Bard Finne scoring 11 goals in the tournament.

Horneland has become an incredibly popular figure in Bergen courtesy of rebuilding the club, and they have taken to the top division like a duck to water, with 21 points from their opening 11 matches seeing them sit in second spot ahead of travelling to Stavanger this weekend.

Viking FK Norwegian Eliteserien form:

SK Brann Norwegian Eliteserien form:


Team News

Viking will remain without Jost Urbanic due to a fractured foot, with the left-back likely to be out of action for at least another month.

Having defeated Sarpsborg 08 by three goals to one in their last match, Jensen and Aarsheim may see little reason to make any alterations to their starting XI.

Brann, meanwhile, appear to have a clean bill of health at their disposal ahead of a crucial fixture on Saturday.

Despite dropping points in a 2-2 draw at home to Lillestrom last weekend, Horneland may also name the same team, with Niklas Castro likely to be full of confidence after bagging again.


Viking FK possible starting lineup:
Gunnarsson; Haugen, Stensness, Brekalo, Pattynama; De Lanlay, Solbakken, Tangen; Bjarnason, D'Agostino, Tripic

SK Brann possible starting lineup:
Dyngeland; Pedersen, Knudsen, Sery, Wolfe; Rasmussen, Nilsen, Myhre; Blomberg, Finne, Castro


SM words green background

We say: Viking FK 1-1 SK Brann

With both of these sides enjoying a rise in status in recent years following bouncing back from the second tier at the first attempt, Saturday's meeting should make for an entertaining encounter.

In truth, there is likely to be little to split the two teams, so we can envisage a second successive draw for Brann, who may be happy to maintain their four-point lead over Viking in the table.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 2.5:data


ID:516793:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect8453:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Viking FK vs Brann

Viking FK
48.0%
Draw
34.7%
SK Brann
17.3%
98
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann in action in March 2019
Read Next:
Norwich bring to an end Ralf Fahrmann's loan deal
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Buccaneers
@
Chiefs
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Bodo/GlimtBodo/Glimt27167462273555
2SK BrannBrann27167451292255
3Viking FKViking FK27148554371750
4MoldeMolde27146760322848
5RosenborgRosenborg2714494538746
6Fredrikstad2712873533244
7KFUM OsloKFUM2781093233-134
8HamKam2789103434033
9StromsgodsetStromsgodset2788113038-832
10Sarpsborg 08Sarpsborg2795133851-1332
11KristiansundKristiansund27710103039-931
12Tromso ILTromso2786133140-930
13SandefjordSandefjord2777133745-828
14FK HaugesundHaugesund2776142440-1627
15Lillestrom2773173053-2324
16Odd2758142549-2423


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!