Brann
- Brann should cruise to a victory over Kristiansund BK in the first round of Eliteserien fixtures for 2026 when two very different football clubs face off on Sunday.
- Brann are a possession-based, high-pressing side that like to dominate the ball and make their moves when they recover it high up the field in their 4-3-3 system.
- Brann have had a mixed preseason with a 3-2 extra-time cup win and a 6-1 friendly victory, but three successive defeats in Europa League and friendlies, including a loss to Bologna.
- Bård Finne and Noah Holm provide some experience and firepower on the wings.
- Felix Horn Myhre has been the key to their pressing game and has chipped in with goals in friendlies and cup action.
- Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson has already shown his value to Brann with a brace in Marbella.
Kristiansund
- Kristiansund are compact and organized, preferring to sit deep and allow the opposition to have the ball while they look for counter-attacking chances and set-piece opportunities.
- Amund Skiri’s men are usually better at being the underdogs than the favourites.
- Preseason included a 1-1 draw against Egersund and a 0-0 result against Hødd.
- Kristiansund’s defensive organisation has looked solid so far, though they remain stifled in the final third.
- Youngsters like Sander Kilen have featured heavily in Marbella and preseason.
Head-to-Head
- Brann have dominated the head-to-head between these clubs, winning convincingly in recent meetings and scoring 4+ goals in two of the last three competitive games, including a 5 - 0 league rout in June 2024.
- Kristiansund have, however, frustrated Brann twice at home in the Eliteserien, holding them to 2-2 draws in May and August 2025.
Key Players
- Felix Horn Myhre - midfield dynamo who drives the pressing game and has scored in friendlies and cup.
- Bård Finne - experienced winger providing goals.
- Noah Holm - wing option who has appeared on the scoresheet in preseason.
- Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson - has shown value to Brann with a brace in Marbella.
- Sander Kilen - one of Kristiansund’s youngsters to watch.
Betting Insights
- Backing Brann to win at 1.6 looks appealing given relative squad depth and recent attacking flair.
- Backing both teams to score looks a good bet at 1.57 odds.
- Brann’s defence lapsed in their European losses to Bologna and in a nerve-wracking cup tie, which suggests chances for both teams.
Prediction
- Expect Brann to edge this opener while both teams to score is a plausible call.
- A final scoreline like 3-1 or 2-1 to Brann would align with recent form and the tactical contrasts between the sides.
