Brann will seek their first points of the season on Thursday, May 27, when they take a trip to Nadderud Stadion in Bekkestua to meet with Stabaek. Last time out, these two sides parted ways with a 1-1 draw, but does that mean we’re in for another victor-less game, or will Brann break out of their shell and secure their first victory of the season? Check out below to find out our thoughts on the Stabaek vs Brann match.
Stabaek vs Brann
When: Thursday, May 27 – 18:00 CEST
Where: Nadderud Stadion in Bekkestua, Norway
Weather: Partly cloudy, 16°C
Referee: Marius Grøtta
The new season of the Norwegian Eliteserien has only just started, but both teams should already feel concerned about their forms. Stabaek have played only two games so far, drawing both. Their next opponents, Brann, have had a far worse experience, losing each of the five games they have played in the 2021 Eliteserien.
Obviously, both teams would love to improve their form ASAP, which promises an exciting clash this evening.
Draws Seem to Be Normal for Stabaek
Stabaek have played only two games this season, drawing both of them. That’s nothing new for a team that drew 12 out of 30 games last season, which is more than any other team in the league.
They have also managed a 41-45 goal difference last season, which is not great. That said, Stabaek have made a few roster changes to improve their defence, so they should look better in the back this term.
Stabaek signed a couple of defensive-minded players for this season, including Simen Wangberg, who arrived from Tromso. However, they should have perhaps invested more in the attack, where they don’t seem too powerful, despite acquiring a talented Ukrainian striker Oleyiy Khoblenko on loan.
The Bærum-based side scored two goals in the first round of the season against Odd. However, in the second round, they played 0-0 with Haugesund.
Brann Hoping to Snap Out of the Disastrous Run
Brann lost all five of their 2021 Eliteserien games. Still, they had to face some adamant teams in Viking, Valerenga, Molde, Rosenborg, and Bodo/Glimt.
Each of those five teams finished among the top six in the 2020 Eliteserien. Losing to such names is not something Brann should feel embarrassed about. What’s more, Brann looked pretty solid even in their losses.
In their last outing, Brann lost to Bodo/Glimt 1-2, which isn’t a terrible score, given that Bodo/Glimt are the reigning champions. It’s also worth pointing out that Brann had more goal attempts yet managed to convert only one.
They held Bodo Glimt at a 1-1 draw with an 80′ goal but dropped the ball in 87′ when Bodo/Glimt scored the game-winning goal. Regardless, keeping Bodo/Glimt attackers away from the goal is definitely a big success, considering that this team scored a total of 103 goals in the 30 games played last season.
Another thing worth pointing out is that Brann looked better in that bout compared to their previous meetings with the Eliteserien champions. Both of their 2020 meetings ended in favor of Bodo/Glimt, who won with 3-1 and 5-0.
Apart from doing well against Bodo/Glimt, Brann also put on a decent showing against Rosenborg in the game before. They had a 2-1 lead for 30 minutes in the second half but then allowed two goals in 84′ and 90’+1.
Stabaek vs Brann Betting Picks
Stabaek and Brann played two games in 2020, the most recent of which finished in a 1-1 draw. Their first game of the 2020 season saw Brann winning 2-0. Obviously, they do have what it takes to win against Jan Jönsson’s side.
Although Bran are winless in their last five, that doesn’t mean much. Actually, it might serve as an added motivation for their players, who have a lot to prove and are in dire need to secure their first points of the season.
Prediction: Brann +0.25 Asian Handicap – 1.89 at Betfair (this one is also one of our premium bets)
