Brann sit seventh in the Eliteserien after a 1-2 loss to Lillestrøm last weekend, now facing a key home match against league leaders Bodø/Glimt. The Bergen side have 26 points from 19 games, with their form in the last five showing two wins, two draws and one defeat.
The short version
- Result: Brann 1-2 Lillestrøm (5 September).
- Scorers: Felix Vá (6') and Fredrik Gulbrandsen (22') for Lillestrøm; Bård Finne (89') for Brann.
- Storyline: A late Finne goal provided a consolation but Brann could not turn the game around at Brann Stadion.
The loss to Lillestrøm interrupted a positive spell after the team secured Conference League group stage qualification with a win over PAOK. League form has been more mixed, with a draw against Sandefjord and a win over HamKam in August. Brann's attack has scored 37 goals this season, while conceding 29 at the back.
The next challenge is a top-of-the-table clash at home. Bodø/Glimt, who lead the league by a considerable margin, visit Bergen on Saturday 20 September. The match represents an opportunity for Brann to prove they can compete with the very best in the Eliteserien.
Brann manager Eirik Horneland has not yet publicly commented on the squad for the upcoming match. The group is likely to be built around the same core players who have been key this autumn. Brann's position in the standings shows they trail Bodø/Glimt by 21 points. A victory would provide a significant boost in the push for a top-half finish.
