Two teams operating at opposing ends of the Norwegian Eliteserien table come together on Sunday when SK Brann play host to FK Haugesund at the Brann Stadion.
The hosts are second in the table but have played at least once more than those around them, while the visitors are in 14th but have played just 12 times, the fewest of any side in the division.
Match preview
Brann have seen an immense rise to the top of the Eliteserien in recent years, from being relegated in 2021 to being promoted as champions in their first attempt and finishing second in their first season back in the top flight.
Eirik Horneland was appointed midway through their relegation campaign in 2021 and has overseen their incredible ascent, and his side are now once again on course to finish in the European places.
An extremely positive start to the season saw Brann lose just one of their opening 10 league fixtures, winning six and drawing three, but recent matches have seen their form take a slight dip with just two wins in their last six.
A disappointing 0-0 draw in a dominant performance against Stromsgodset was followed by a humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of league-leading Bodo/Glimt, a game that gave Brann the chance to move top of the table with a victory.
Having played 15 matches, at least one more than any other team in the division, Horneland's side could quickly drop down the table if their rivals pick up points, with three teams positioned to leapfrog them.
Despite their recent struggles, Brann have been formidable at home throughout the year with 16 points from their eight home fixtures, with five wins and one draw.
Haugesund, on the other hand, have struggled on the road, earning just seven points from five away matches while conceding more goals than they have scored.
Paired with their poor home form, two wins and five losses in seven home matches, and Sancheev Manoharan's men find themselves occupying the relegation playoff spot.
The Seagulls have, however, played just 12 times this season, fewer games than any other side in the division, and could move as high as a respectable seventh place depending on results elsewhere.
Haugesund have enjoyed their recent trips to the Brann Stadion in the Eliteserien in recent years, winning two of the last three visits, but they have lost all of the last three meetings between the two sides across all competitions.
Team News
Horneland will have plenty to think about regarding his team selection after a devastating 5-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt last weekend, while he will also be unable to call upon the services of up to six players.
Sivert Heltne Nilsen, who was sent off after accumulating two yellow cards within 10 minutes of the starting whistle in that defeat, has left the club to join Aberdeen.
Jonas Torsvik, Niklas Wassberg and Ole Didrik Blomberg are all set to remain out with injuries, while Moonga Simba and Mads Sande have been struggling with injuries but have not been ruled out of this one.
Haugesund will also have a suspension to contend with after Sondre Liseth was sent off for an accumulation of yellow cards in the 45th minute of their 2-1 loss to Sarpsborg 08 last time out.
Amund Wichne remains out with a cruciate ligament injury that he is not expected to return from until next season, whilst Martin Samuelsen is also unavailable due to injury.
SK Brann possible starting lineup:
Dyngeland; Crone, Knudsen, Larsen, Soltvedt; Kornvig, Pedersen, Kartum; Kornvig, Castro, Mathisen; Finne
FK Haugesund possible starting lineup:
Selvik; Hope, Baertelsen, Fredriksen, Krusnell; Luoviksson; Sauer, Konradsen, Eskesen, Tounekti; Diarra
We say: SK Brann 2-0 FK Haugesund
Brann have been very impressive when playing in front of their home crowd this season, while Haugesund have had difficulties on their travels with just seven points from five matches, leading us to believe the hosts will win this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
