 Re: Norway, Cup, 23-24th July.
Molde - Brann
Well, this one will be thought as a long shot, but when two of the most unstable teams in Norway atm face each other there is very much that can happen. The home team showed great form in the last league game by thrashing a surprisingly weak Vålerenga. The lack of tactical display from visitors from that match was scary, and the result covered that notion totally. Overall there has been some improvement, going 2-2-0 their last 4 in the league. Squad-wise, key midfielder Magne Hoseth is ready for today after sitting out in the last one, while regular midfelders Mattias Mostrøm and Thomas Holm are out. Defender Christian Steen is also out, but he has been injured for a while anyways. Still, looking beyond their good league form, both last matches in the cup has been abysmal, winning in penalties and OT against lower league teams. How is their motivation for this one? My guess is that they will put up a fight, but the league is top priority. Brann, the most volatile lot in the league hit the wall last match losing against Ålesund at home (1-2). A game they dominated, but their effectiveness was terrible. The missing of key striker an topscorer Thorstein Helstad might be crucial for them in the late part of the season. Today, the mentioned Helstad, wing-back Guntveit and back-up goalie is out. Otherwise a full squad is ready to be out there. There is talk about using strong Azar Karadas on top beside Demba-Nyren. A notion which is not bad since being a forward on many games scoring planty goals before they decided to use him as a centre-back. The venegance factor must be high in Branns squad also. When they faced Molde in the league they blew a 3-1 lead which did not look good at all knowing the players thought they already had won.
As I mentioned both teams can be really good or pretty terrible. Brann has something to avenge, and have a better team on paper. They also have strong cup traditions and want to finish as the winner. Low stakes, but value is on Brann rating them in around 55% chance of winning...
Brann, +0, 2.13 @sbobet 2/10 |