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

The visitors sit second in the standings, five points ahead of their opponents and nine points off top spot with a game in hand.

Match preview

Brann will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend, after suffering a 3-1 defeat away from home against Tromso IL last week, courtesy of a brace from Jakob Napoleon Romsaas as well as a strike from Ruben Yttergard Jenssen.

However, despite that defeat, Brann are enjoying a sensational campaign in the top flight after remarkably combining their second tier title last season with the club's seventh Norwegian Cup triumph.

Eirik Horneland's side are punching above their weight in their first season back in the big time, currently sitting in fifth place in the standings with 27 points after 16 games, five points adrift of their opponents this weekend and three off third-placed Tromso.

The majority of Brann's success so far this season can be attributed to their performances in front of their own fans, as they are one of two teams unbeaten at home - along with Bodo/Glimt - winning six of the eight matches that they have played at the Brann Stadion.

Meanwhile, Viking FK will be aiming for a seventh consecutive victory in the Eliteserien, after extending their winning streak with a 3-1 triumph over rock-bottom side Aalesund on Monday.

With that win, Morten Jensen's side kept the gap to the leaders to single digits with a game in hand on them, while extending their winning run in the league to six matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just four in that time.

The Dark Blues are currently in second place, three points clear of fourth-placed Molde and just two points clear of Tromso IL in third, after picking up 32 points from 15 games.

Barring a loss away at Raufoss IL in the fourth round of the Norwegian Cup on penalties, Viking have been excellent on the road in recent times, winning five of their last six matches away from home across all competitions.

In fact, the Dark Blues have only lost twice on the road all season long, amassing 13 points from seven games on their travels.

SK Brann Norwegian Eliteserien form:

D

L

W

L

W

L

SK Brann form (all competitions):

Viking FK Norwegian Eliteserien form:

W

W

W

W

W

W

Viking FK form (all competitions):

Team News

Ruben Kristiansen was absent for the hosts last time out due to a groin issue, so he could miss out once again here.

Ole Didrik Blomberg returned to the starting XI against Tromso last week, after recovering injury, so he looks set to retain his place on the right flank.

As for the visitors, Markus Solbakken will return from suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Stabaek on July 16, while Gianni Stensness has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.

Zlatko Tripic looks likely to keep his starting place after bagging a brace in his most previous outing against Aalesund, supporting Lars-Jorgen Salvesen in attack.

SK Brann possible starting lineup:

Dyngeland; Crone, Knudsen, Sery, Pedersen; Wassberg, Nilsen, Myhre; Castro, Finne, Borsting

Viking FK possible starting lineup:

Gunnarsson; Bjorshol, Diop, Brekalo, Pattynama; De Lanlay, Tangen, Yazbek; Tripic, Salvesen, Svendsen

We say: SK Brann 1-1 Viking FK

Both sides are in great form and will be difficult to break down given their recent results.

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