After that heartbreaking cup final loss to Bodo/Glimt where Brann threw away a chance in penalties following a 3-3 thriller, the team spirit took a big hit and it showed in their league games. The boys from Bergen have now dropped two straight away matches, falling 1-2 to Alesund and then 1-3 to the same cup winners, leaving them six points off the top four spots. On the other side, Sarpsborg 08 are riding high after grinding out a 2-1 home win over strong Molde in the last round, which marks their second victory in three outings and gives them real momentum heading into this clash.
Team Form
Brann have been leaking goals lately with five conceded in those two losses alone, and their attack which was firing over two goals per game on average now looks a bit blunt after the cup disappointment. Sarpsborg on their part have only three wins from ten league games but they scored 11 goals total and showed they can nick results against bigger sides. In the head to head over recent seasons the visitors have avoided defeat in six of the last nine meetings including two wins and four draws, with their last two trips to Brann both yielding points.
- Brann: 23 goals scored in 11 games but five conceded in last two outings
- Sarpsborg: 3 wins from 10 matches, averaging just over a goal per game
- Head to head: Sarpsborg unbeaten in 6 of last 9 against Brann
Tactical Analysis
Brann like to push forward with quick attacks but their defence has looked shaky on the road lately, especially after back to back losses that exposed gaps at the back. Sarpsborg 08 play a compact game and have been sharp in transitions, using set pieces well to nick goals like they did against Molde. The visitors will likely sit deep at times and look to hit on the break, knowing they have a good record picking up points at this venue in recent years.
- Brann strengths: High scoring attack averaging over two goals per match
- Brann weaknesses: Poor recent away form with two losses and five goals conceded
- Sarpsborg strengths: Solid head to head record and recent wins boosting confidence
- Sarpsborg weaknesses: Low goal tally overall with just 11 in ten games
Betting Proposal
This game looks set for a tight affair where Sarpsborg can frustrate the hosts and maybe even snatch something given their history here. With Brann still feeling the effects of that cup final defeat the visitors should avoid a heavy loss and the plus one handicap offers good value at those odds. My types point to the away side holding firm and not going down by two goals or more in what could be a low scoring battle.
Overall the momentum sits slightly with Sarpsborg coming off two good results while Brann lick their wounds, so backing the plus one on the visitors makes plenty of sense for this Norwegian league clash.
Sarpsborg 08 +1 handicap at 1.75
