Molde and SK Brann Set for Saturday Clash in Norwegian Eliteserien

Molde will host SK Brann at Aker Stadion on Saturday, with both teams looking to enhance their positions in the Norwegian Eliteserien standings. Molde are aiming to move into European qualification places, while SK Brann are seeking to extend a positive run of form.

Molde’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, but their home record at Aker Stadion has been a strong point throughout 2026. The team will be eager to secure another victory on home turf against Brann.

Meanwhile, SK Brann have found consistency challenging on the road this season, having lost four of their last six competitive away fixtures. Their solitary win in that period came against league leaders Tromso.

Current Standings and Managerial Context

Molde, under the guidance of new manager Sindre Tjelmeland, currently sit in fifth place in the Eliteserien table with 20 points. Tjelmeland, who took over in late May, has had a mixed start, with the team drawing their last league match 2-2 against Aalesund. Despite some challenging friendly results before their return to league action, Molde have shown strength in their competitive home matches, winning their last four.

SK Brann, who finished fourth last season, are currently ninth in the league with 16 points. Under manager Eirik Horneland, the team has struggled to replicate last season’s success. The mid-season break may have come at an opportune moment for Brann, who had lost three consecutive matches prior to their recent 2-1 victory over Start. This win is hoped to mark the beginning of an upturn in fortunes for Horneland’s side.

Team News and Potential Lineups

Molde will be without goalkeeper Mads Kikkenborg due to an Achilles injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Left-back Fredrik Kristensen Dahl is also recovering from a knee injury. Martin Linnes is expected to deputise at left-back, forming a back four with Birk Risa, Isak Helstad Amundsen, and Halldor Stenevik, shielding goalkeeper Albert Posiadala.

For SK Brann, midfielders Eggert Gudmundsson and Sakarias Opsahl are nearing a return but will miss this weekend’s fixture. Niklas Jensen Wassberg is likely to start in a defensive midfield role, with Felix Horn Myhre positioned ahead of him. Centre-back Nana Boakye is out for the season with a knee injury, meaning Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen and Vetle Dragsnes will likely partner in central defence.

Molde possible starting lineup:
Posiadala; Stenevik, Amundsen, Risa, Linnes; Daehli, Breivik; Hestad, Granaas, Spiten-Nysaeter; Kone-Doherty

SK Brann possible starting lineup:
Nilsen; Holten, Knudsen, Dragsnes, Soltvedt; Wassberg; Ingason, Myhre, Haaland; Mathisen, Holm

Key Facts

The match on Saturday presents an opportunity for Molde to strengthen their claim for European qualification by capitalizing on their strong home form. For SK Brann, it is a chance to build on their recent win and improve their inconsistent away record, though they may also have an eye on their upcoming UEFA Conference League qualifier.

Source: Sports Mole Football RSS – https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/molde/preview/molde-vs-brann-prediction-team-news-lineups_601353.html