There is more than three points at stake when Brann host Rosenborg on Sunday. Two clubs rebuilding under new managers meet in Bergen, but the story is made even more compelling by the men standing in the technical areas.

Eirik Horneland is beginning his second spell in charge of Brann after returning from France, while Freyr Alexandersson heads back to Brann Stadion just weeks after leaving the club to take charge of Rosenborg. Both appointments have injected fresh energy into their respective sides, making this one of the standout fixtures of the Eliteserien weekend.

Brann still have ground to make up in the race for Europe, while Rosenborg are looking to continue a resurgence that has transformed their season in a matter of weeks.

Horneland has restored belief, but defensive questions remain

There are already signs that Horneland has steadied Brann after a difficult first half of the campaign. Three wins from his opening five competitive matches have lifted confidence, while progress in the UEFA Conference League has given supporters renewed optimism that the season can still develop into a successful one. Thursday’s 3-1 victory over Universitatea Cluj was another encouraging display, setting up an attractive meeting with Apollon in the next qualifying round.

Domestically, however, there is still work to do. Brann’s attacking football has returned under Horneland, but the defensive record continues to undermine their progress. The 3-2 defeat to Vålerenga before the European tie exposed familiar weaknesses, particularly during a disastrous first half in which the hosts conceded three times. Thirteen consecutive matches without a clean sheet is not the statistic of a side ready to challenge at the top of the table.

That places additional pressure on an already depleted back line. Nana Boakye remains unavailable, while Jonas Torsvik’s absence limits Horneland’s options on the left side of defence. Against a Rosenborg attack growing in confidence, concentration will be every bit as important as attacking ambition.

Rosenborg arrive with momentum and a clear identity

Few managerial changes have produced such an immediate impact. Alexandersson inherited a team lacking consistency but has quickly established a more organised and disciplined approach. Three league matches have produced three victories, nine goals scored and, perhaps most impressively, none conceded.

Those clean sheets tell an important story. Rosenborg look far more compact without the ball, defending with greater confidence and allowing their attacking players to play with freedom once possession is regained.

The emphatic 4-0 victory over Fredrikstad last weekend underlined that progress. Although the heavy friendly defeat to Manchester United briefly interrupted the momentum, it has had little bearing on competitive performances.

Amin Chiakha continues to lead the line in the absence of Dino Islamovic, while Emil Konradsen Ceïde and David Důriš provide pace and direct running around him. Behind them, the back four has quickly become one of the most settled defensive units in the division under Alexandersson.

Returning to Bergen inevitably adds emotion to the occasion, but Rosenborg’s recent performances suggest they are approaching this fixture with confidence rather than sentiment.

Verdict

This fixture has all the ingredients to become one of the weekend’s highlights. Brann have become far more adventurous since Horneland’s return and rarely struggle to create opportunities, particularly at Brann Stadion. Rosenborg, meanwhile, have found the balance that eluded them earlier in the season, combining defensive stability with increasing attacking confidence.

The contrast between Brann’s vulnerability at the back and Rosenborg’s recent defensive discipline could ultimately prove decisive. If the visitors maintain the same organisation they have shown throughout Alexandersson’s reign, they have an excellent chance of extending their winning run.

Tip

Rosenborg to win.