The Norwegian Eliteserien dishes up a tasty mid-table battle on Monday as seventh-place Stabaek welcomes eighth-place SK Brann to Nadderud.
Both sides currently sit on 18 points from 14 games, although Stabaek’s superior goal difference see them sit ahead of Brann in the standings.
Stabaek come into this game on the back of an entertaining 3-3 draw with Viking. Despite only seeing 43% possession and recording fewer shots than Viking, Stabaek managed to come from behind and snatch a point.
Stabaek are now without a win in five league games, although three draws during that period have prevented the club from falling down the table.
In fact, Stabaek’s home record has kept the club in a decent position. They have only lost three of their previous 17 league games on home soil.
Looking at the bigger picture, Stabaek have only managed four wins this term, while six draws and four defeats mean European qualification is already looking unlikely.
Meanwhile, Brann suffered a 1-0 defeat to Mjondalen last time out, despite enjoying 72% possession and racking up a whopping 17 shots (six on target).
Manager Lars Arne Nilsen will be disappointed that his team failed to make the most of their opportunities, as Brann have only managed to win one of their last seven league games.
Scoring goals is problem for Brann, but conceding them is also an issue. Indeed, Brann have conceded at least one goal in each of their last nine league games.
Head-to-head: Brann have won each of their previous four meetings with Stabaek and have only lost once in their last nine. Stabaek’s sole victory during that period came back in 2017.
It’s also worth pointing out that this fixture generally produces goals. Six of the previous seven meetings between Stabaek and Brann have produced over 1.5 goals.
Team news: Stabaek will be without forward Matthew Rusike and left-back Jeppe Moe as the pair continue to recover from cruciate ligament ruptures.
Brann have no fresh injury concerns heading into Monday’s clash, so top scorer Gilbert Koomson is expected to start.
Neither of these teams are in good form, with both sides desperate for a win. However, after taking everything into consideration, this game is likely to end all-square.
Both teams have scored in six of Stabaek’s previous eight league games, so Forebet predicts that this game will end in a score-draw.