Tromso v Brann – Tippeligaen
Tromsø will be looking to take advantage of both Brann’s possible tiredness from their midweek Super Cup loss to Rosenborg and the extreme cold weather conditions forecast for the game. The conditions are something the Tromsø players have become accustomed to and the Brann players may find these difficult. Tromsø will look to employ a high energy and high pressing game from the start and find out how much energy their opposition have and how much desire they have to battle in the freezing weather. The only worry they have going into the game is whether their main striker, Espejord, will be fit to start the game with no like for like replacement available in the squad.
Having already lost their first competitive game of the season, Brann will be looking to take revenge against Tromsø and start a title challenge. They may decide to rely on their defensive strengths and break on the counter-attack, considering the midweek game they have played and with one to come next week rather than their usual high pressing game. Captain Wormgoor is doubtful for the game and is a big loss but his replacement Grønner is a capable replacement at centre-back. Central midfielder Larsen will miss the game, reducing the options for goal scoring midfielders. The extreme cold forecast is something worth noting as the Brann players live and train much further south and will not be used to these conditions. They would probably not be too satisfied with a draw considering tiredness, injuries and the weather.
Verdict & Prediction
Despite their indifferent pre-season form, Tromso sees this game as a chance to score some early points against stronger opponents, with Brann perhaps slightly fatigued having played in the Norwegian Super Cup on Wednesday evening. We recommend a bet on Tromso.
Prediction: Tromso +0.00 Asian Handicap (same as Draw no bet)
Odds: 1.70 SBOBET
