Norwegian Super: Bran vs Viking Preview

Norwegian Super League: Brann vs. Viking FK Preview

On Sunday afternoon, the Norwegian Super League will usher in a top-ranked battle, with the leader Viking FK challenging SK Brann away. Home team Braun ranked second with 27 points in 14 games; while away team Viking FK ranked first with 36 points in 15 league games.

Recent Situation Analysis

Home Team Braun quickly returned to the Norwegian Super League after an unexpected relegation in 2021 and has been steadily second in the past two seasons. They ranked second in 9 points behind champions Bode/Glimut in 2023 and only 3 points behind in 2024. After winning consecutive silver medals, head coach Eirik Horneland left in January 2025, with Freyr Alexandersson taking over with the goal of leading the team to win the league for the first time since 2007. Braun, under Alexanderson coach, currently has a record of 8 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses, ranking second in 14 games. They were six points behind the leader Viking FK (one game in Vikings) and two points ahead of third-place Tromso (two games in less). Therefore, the victory of this game is crucial for Brann, who both strive to maintain second place and close the gap with the leader to only three points.

The visiting team Viking FK performed exceptionally well this season, losing only one game in 15 league games, achieving a record of 11 wins and 3 draws. Their only league loss occurred in the season opener against Valerenga, which means they remained unbeaten in the next 14 league games. They also had 19 consecutive unbeaten games in various competitions (16 wins and 3 draws), but this record ended in the last Norwegian Cup semi-finals by Sapsburg 08 and was upset 1-0. Head coach Morten Jensen's team is now eager to rebound strongly and return to the winning track. Viking FK also has an advantage in recent encounters with Brann, who remained unbeaten in the last eight matches against Brann, including five wins, though the last three ended in a draw.

Injury information

Brann:

There are expected to continue to be missing Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen (Knee), Jonas Torsvik (Muscle), Niklas Castro (Ankle), Niklas Jensen Wassberg (Knee) and Sakarias Opsahl (Foot).

Team top scorer Aune Heggebo has recently left the team to join West Bromwich, which means Bard Finne may form a trident with Mads Hansen and Mads Sande. In the midfield, Braun will hope that captains Felix Horn Myhre and Eggert Aron Gudmundsson can control the midfield and continue their outstanding performance in the last 1-1 draw with Hamka.

Viking FK:

Gianni Stensness and Nicholas D 'Agostino, ankle, are expected to miss this Sunday's match.

Although Viking FK's unbeaten record ended disappointingly in the last game against Sapsburg, Jensen may trust the current starting lineup that gives the team a six-point lead.

Zlatko Tripic is undoubtedly the best player in Viking FK to date, contributing eight goals and six assists in 13 league games, and the team will once again count on him to decide the game.

Match Prediction

Viking FK performed well in the 2025 season and considering their outstanding performance in the league (only one loss) and their strong record in this showdown (unbeaten in the last eight), we expect them to show off their strength again to win the game. Despite Brann's home court and ambition to compete for the championship, Viking FK's overall stability and offensive firepower may be better.

Predicted score: Brann 1-2 Viking FK