Kristiansund – SK Brann

European contenders Kristiansund welcome bottom club SK Brann to the Kristiansund Stadion on Monday, seeking to get back on track following three games without a win. Their struggling visitors, meanwhile, have tasted Eliteserien victory just once so far this season. Having finished either fifth or sixth for the past three years, upwardly mobile Kristiansund have made a bright start in their attempt to breach the top four for the first time since promotion to the elite in 2017.

While the Owls have thrived after making it to the highest tier of Norwegian football for the first time in their brief history – they were formed from a merger just 18 years ago – they are now pressing to reach even greater heights. Before last week’s 1-1 draw with Mjondalen, the Eliteserien’s fourth-placed side had won their three previous home matches in the top flight; keeping a clean sheet on each occasion.

The hosts have built their season upon solidity, so should be expected to keep a second straight clean sheet on Monday. Kristiansund also face the necessity of regaining ground recently lost on the clubs above them, so can capitalise on Brann’s current misery with a narrow win on home soil.