Brann will be without three key players due to injury for Sunday's Eliteserien match away to Start. The team is looking to bounce back from a 1-2 home defeat to Lillestrøm last weekend, forcing the manager to adjust his lineup.
Injury list
Defender Jonas Torsvik is out with an ankle injury and is not expected back until October. Midfielder Sakarias Opsahl is sidelined with a foot problem, targeting a return around September 30. Neraysho Kasanwirjo is ill but could be available as early as next week. These absences necessitate changes from the 4-3-3 setup used against Lillestrøm, which featured Mathias Dyngeland in goal.
Current form
Brann sit seventh in the Eliteserien table with 26 points from 19 matches. They have scored 37 goals and conceded 29, giving them a goal difference of +8. Their recent form over the last five games reads two wins, two draws, and one loss. After the trip to Start, a key home fixture against league leaders Bodø/Glimt awaits on September 20, a match you can preview on our fixtures page.
The opponent's momentum
Start head into the match buoyed by a convincing 4-1 home win over KFUM Oslo last time out. They have, however, also suffered some heavy home defeats this autumn, including a 0-3 loss to Rosenborg. In the previous meeting between the sides on July 12, Brann won 2-1 at home. To review Brann's complete squad and all injury news, visit our squad page.
The manager's task is to balance recovery from a disappointing loss with utilising a squad that still possesses plenty of attacking threat. The challenge is not made easier by the fact the team trails the league leaders by 21 points.
