- Written by Ståle Heiberg-Andersen.
- Photo: Paul S. Amundsen/NTB.
The match will be played at Aker Stadion on Saturday, November 23, at 17:00, and will be shown on TV 2 Direkte and TV 2 Play. Around 2000 Brann supporters are reported to be making the trip, and if you decide at the last minute, you can find tickets in Istad-svingen here.
The national team break is over, and now we have two incredibly important matches in the final phase of the season. Two weeks have passed since our clash against Lillestrøm at the Stadion, where a freezing Niklas Castro made sure that three points were secured in stoppage time. We have now achieved seven consecutive victories and lead the table before the last two rounds of the season. Now Molde awaits at Aker Stadion.
Molde is currently in fourth place in the table and is fighting to secure their European position in the final matches of the season. The match is of great importance for both teams, and we can expect a fierce battle for the points.
Thousands of passionate Brann supporters are heading to Molde to create an enormous atmosphere around this important match. Molde took three points when we met at the Stadion in the spring. Now we have the opportunity to avenge that loss. The Moldovans have won seven of their fourteen home matches so far this year. Mold’s Kristian Eriksen is the top scorer in the Eliteserien, with his fourteen goals for the blue-clad team. Former Brann player Veton Berisha now plays for Molde but is currently injured. Halldor Stenevik also has a past with Brann and is part of the current Molde team.
Aker Stadion has been a tough away venue for us in recent years. We have only secured one victory in our last five trips here. At the same time, we are the league’s best away team this year and are coming to Molde with tremendous support in our quest for precious metal. If we manage to continue our incredible winning streak, we will further strengthen our grip on the top of the table before the season finale next week.
Last five away matches against Molde:
2023: Molde – Brann 2–0
2021: Molde – Brann 4–0
2020: Molde – Brann 1–2 Daniel Pedersen, Jon Helge Tveita
2019: Molde – Brann 1–1 Ruben Yttergård Jenssen
2018: Molde – Brann 5–1 Steffen Lie Skålevik
Injuries and suspensions
None of our players are suspended for the match. Emil Kornvig, Aune Heggebø, Felix Horn Myhre, Sander Kartum, and Japhet Sery Larsen are all one yellow card away from a one-match suspension. Niklas Jensen Wassberg, Moonga Simba, Svenn Crone, Martin Hellan, and Thore Pedersen have struggled with injuries. We will find out if any of them are fit for the match squad when the team selection is announced on Saturday at 15:45.
For the hosts, Emil Breivik and Isak Helstad Amundsen are suspended for the match. Molde’s captain, Magnus Wolff Eikrem, will also miss the match due to injury.
How have injuries affected Molde’s performance leading up to the game against Brann?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sports Expert Ståle Heiberg-Andersen
Editor: Welcome, Ståle! Thank you for joining us. With the match between Brann and Molde coming up this Saturday, can you set the stage for us? What are the stakes for both teams heading into this crucial game?
Ståle: Absolutely! This match is pivotal, especially for both Brann and Molde as the season draws to a close. Brann is currently leading the table with seven consecutive victories, giving them significant momentum. They are looking to secure their spot at the top before the season ends. On the other hand, Molde, currently fourth, is fighting fiercely to clinch a European position. The implications for both teams couldn’t be higher.
Editor: That sounds intense! We’ve heard that around 2000 Brann supporters are making the trip to Aker Stadion. How do you think this will affect the atmosphere during the match?
Ståle: The presence of such a passionate group of fans will undoubtedly create an electrifying atmosphere. The fans’ energy can have a tremendous impact on the players, often giving the visiting team an extra boost. Brann’s supporters are known for their incredible loyalty and vocal support, which will be crucial as they look to avenge their earlier loss to Molde this season.
Editor: Speaking of that earlier match, what can you tell us about Molde’s performance historically against Brann and how the teams match up this time around?
Ståle: Earlier in the season, Molde successfully took all three points when they faced Brann. However, the dynamics have shifted since then. Brann has improved significantly, and their current form is impressive. Conversely, Molde has struggled with consistency, especially with injuries affecting key players like Veton Berisha. Still, they do have Kristian Eriksen, the top scorer in Eliteserien, who will be a crucial player to watch.
Editor: Eriksen’s performance will undoubtedly be significant. But how do you think Brann will strategize against someone of his caliber?
Ståle: Brann’s defense will need to be at its best. They will likely employ a strategy that focuses on nullifying Eriksen’s threat while also exploiting any gaps in Molde’s backline. Given their current winning streak, they will have confidence, but they must remain disciplined and structured defensively to avoid conceding to a player of Eriksen’s quality.
Editor: With both teams so invested in this match, what can the fans expect in terms of gameplay?
Ståle: Expect a fiercely competitive match. Both teams are hungry for points—Brann to maintain their lead and Molde to secure European football for next season. It should be a tactical battle, with quick transitions and high stakes, resulting in an exciting spectacle for the fans.
Editor: And lastly, for the viewers at home, where can they catch the action?
Ståle: The match will be broadcast on TV 2 Direkte and also available on TV 2 Play. It’s definitely one for the fans to tune into, as it could have significant implications for the season’s final standings.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Ståle! We’ll certainly be looking forward to witnessing this exciting matchup. Best of luck to both teams!
Ståle: Thank you! It’s going to be a thrilling match day for everyone involved.