SK Brann’s 2025 Eliteserien season began in disappointing fashion with a 3-0 defeat to Fredrikstad back in March, but the Bergen-based side have since recovered impressively and now occupy third place in the table.
Under the guidance of Freyr Alexandersson, who took charge in January 2025, Brann have won 15, drawn 4, and lost just 5 of their 24 league fixtures. That strong run has left them only seven points adrift of leaders Viking FK, with a game in hand that could close the gap further.
While Brann’s league performances have been encouraging, their European campaign got off to a rocky start, as they were eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers by RB Salzburg on a 5-2 aggregate in the second round. However, they regrouped well to earn a spot in this competition, overcoming BK Häcken and AEK Larnaca in subsequent qualifying rounds.
In the group stage, Brann narrowly lost 2-1 to Lille on the opening matchday but bounced back with a 1-0 win against FC Utrecht. They will now be aiming to build on that momentum with another victory on Thursday night.
The Norwegian side will also take confidence from their formidable home form, having won each of their last five matches at the Brann Stadion. Adding to their optimism is Rangers’ inconsistent start to the season — the Scottish club have picked up just five wins in their first 18 games across all competitions.
Rangers began the campaign under Russell Martin, but after a run of five wins, six draws, and six defeats, he was dismissed. Interim boss Steven Smith oversaw a 2-2 draw with Dundee United before Danny Rohl, formerly of Sheffield Wednesday, was appointed as the club’s new head coach. Thursday’s clash will mark Rohl’s first game in charge, and he will be eager to begin his tenure with a win.
That said, Rangers face a challenging task in Bergen, especially given their poor away record — just one victory on the road so far this season.
Brann will be without several key players, including Niklas Castro, Niklas Jensen Wassberg, Jonas Torsvik, Felix Horn Myhre, Sakarias Opsahl, and Saevar Atli Magnusson. In Magnusson’s absence, Bård Finne is likely to lead the line, potentially supported by Ulrik Mathisen. Behind them, Emil Kornvig, Eggert Aron Gudmundsson, and Noah Jean Holm could form the attacking midfield trio, with Jacob Lungi Sørensen anchoring the midfield.
For Rangers, Dujon Sterling, Mohamed Diomande, and Rabbi Matondo are all expected to miss out due to injuries. Given that this will be Rohl’s debut match, his starting lineup remains uncertain, though Djeidi Gassama, Thelo Aasgaard, Oliver Antman, and Bojan Miovski — all of whom featured last time out — may form the attacking quartet.
Predicted lineups:
SK Brann: Dyngeland; Røve, Knudsen, Helland, Soltvedt; Kornvig, Sørensen, Gudmundsson, Holm; Mathisen, Finne
Rangers: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma; Rothwell, Raskin; Antman, Aasgaard, Gassama; Miovski
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