Two clubs desperate for points meet in Bergen on Sunday as Brann welcome struggling Start to Brann Stadion in an important fixture at the wrong end of the Eliteserien table.

Neither side heads into the weekend in particularly good spirits. Brann have lost three consecutive league matches and find themselves looking over their shoulders rather than up the standings, while Start return from the summer break rooted to the foot of the table and already facing questions about their ability to survive in the top flight. For both clubs, this feels like a match that could shape the mood of the second half of the season.

Brann searching for answers after difficult spell

Few would have predicted Brann would enter July sitting in the bottom half of the table. Last season’s runners-up have endured a frustrating campaign so far, collecting just four wins from their opening 12 league matches and slipping alarmingly close to the relegation battle.

Defeats against Aalesund, Bodo/Glimt and Sarpsborg before the break extended a miserable run of form, while their last league victory came back in May against KFUM Oslo.

Perhaps most concerning of all has been Brann’s home form. Brann Stadion has traditionally been one of the toughest places to visit in Norwegian football, yet the home side have collected only six points from five home matches, the joint-lowest tally in the division.

Results in pre-season friendlies offered little reassurance. A narrow victory over Aarhus Fremad was followed by defeat against Kristiansund, leaving Horneland still searching for momentum ahead of the restart.

Injuries have certainly not helped. Brann will once again be without several senior players, forcing the manager into further changes throughout the side. The availability of Ulrik Mathisen would provide a welcome boost in attack, while much creative responsibility is likely to fall on Kristian Eriksen and Niklas Wassberg in midfield. Despite their struggles, Brann know this fixture represents an opportunity to reset their campaign.

Start already facing a battle for survival

For newly promoted Start, the step up to Eliteserien football has proved every bit as challenging as expected. Azar Karadas’ side have managed just one victory all season and remain rooted to the bottom of the standings with only seven points from 12 matches.

The biggest issue has been at the defensive end of the pitch. Start have conceded 28 goals already, comfortably the worst record in the division, and their inability to keep opponents quiet continues to undermine any positive work further forward.

Preparations for the return to league action have done little to ease concerns. Defeat to Fredrikstad before the break was followed by a heavy friendly loss against Bodo/Glimt, leaving confidence fragile heading into a demanding away trip to Bergen.

The visitors also arrive with problems of their own in defence. Altin Ujkani misses out through suspension following his red card against Fredrikstad, while injuries to Johan Meyer and Terry Benjamin further limit Karadas’ options.

Jesper Cornelius is expected to spearhead the attack and will hope to capitalise on a Brann defence that has looked vulnerable during recent weeks. Start’s challenge is simple: find a way to become more difficult to beat.

Verdict

Neither side has enjoyed the campaign they envisaged, but Brann remain in a very different position to their visitors. The hosts have underperformed relative to expectations, whereas Start are still trying to prove they belong back in the top flight after promotion last season. While Brann’s injury list is extensive and confidence has undoubtedly taken a hit, the quality available to Horneland still compares favourably with most sides in the bottom half of the division.

If Brann cannot end their losing run against the league’s bottom club, genuine concerns about their season trajectory will begin to emerge.

Tip

Brann to win

The hosts have struggled for rhythm and consistency throughout the campaign, but this looks like an opportunity to stop the slide. Start’s defensive problems and poor away form should give Brann the platform they need to return to winning ways at Brann Stadion.