League Prediction: 8th place

Brann (Last year: 5th in Tippeligaen)
+ Two good goal keepers, but are they focused enough?
+ Huseklepp and Guastavino, two of the most creative players in the league. While David Nilsen is another type of attacker, which gives them a chance to vary their tactics. Huseklepp has also signed a new contract.
+ The signing of Erik Mjelde means more goal from the midfield.

- Has had a tendency of buying expensive players who are over the top rather than nuturing young talents, and are paying the price now with very few promising players.
- The defence consist more or less of attackers and midfielders who are forced to change posisions as Brann hardly has any good defenders.

Player to watch:
Guastavino's technique was why Brann bought him from Lyn one year ago. He didn't shine last year, but we think that he this year will be back to the level he had in Lyn. He and Huseklepp will make a terrifying duo for any defense.

Friendly matches results

27.01: Las Palmas - Brann 1-2:
Erik Huseklepp, who has been linked with Stoke and Newcastle the last week, scored one of Brann's goals.

29.01: Start - Haugesund 2-2
Ole Martin Årst signed a new contract with Start, and celebrated by scoring two goals.


29.01: Lillestrøm - GAIS 1-0 (highlights)
The match was stopped after 5 minutes when the police has to calm down the supporters of Swedish GAIS. Olivier Occean scored the only goal.


29.01: Aalesund - Molde 1-1 (highlights)
Pape Pate Diouf scored with an overhead kick in the first minute, but Aarøy equalized in the second half.

29.01: Kongsvinger - Hønefoss 2-0
Kim Holmen scored in his debut for KIL.

29.01: Odd Grenland - Tromsø 0-0
Odd Grenland won the penalty shoot out in the La Manga cup.


29.01: Rosenborg - AIK 1-1 (highlights)
It was the young local players of Rosenborg who played best in this match against the Swedish League Champions. Kjell Rune Sellin(20yrs) scored Rosenborg's goal, and Simen Wangsberg(18yrs) was voted man of the match.

Transfer talk

Morten Gamst Pedersen is according to Daily Mirror in talks with Fenerbache about a transfer either in January or for free during this summer.



Even Hovland did not get a contract with Manchester United after training with the English club this winter.


Erik Mjelde has returned to Brann after four years in Sandefjord, the 25 year old is delighted to once again play for his favorite club and will play with Azar Karadas' old number on his back, number 6.



Knut Olav Rindarøy has been training with Everton since Tuesday. His contract with Molde ends in December 2010.


Kim Holmen has signed for Kongsvinger, the 27 year old's contract with Lyn ended in December 2009.



Rosenborg might sell Steffen Iversen as he still hasn't signed a new contract. The same goes for Vadim Demidov, Rune Jarstein and Marek Sapara

-It is an option to sell players with short time remaining of their contract if we do not reach agreement. Given the current economic situation, we can not risk key players leaving us for free, " Erik Hoftun explains.

friendly match results

Brann - Haugesund 0-2

Highlights available at tv2sporten.no.

Team of the year in Eliteserien

Jon Knudsen - Stabæk

Not the most spectacular keeper, but is always focused and makes the right decisions.

Mikael Lustig - Rosenborg

A really attacking rightback. Scored five goals, had several assists.

Kris Stadsgaard - Rosenborg


Vadim Demidov - Rosenborg

(all three of Rosenborg's central backs have been excellent this season, and Alejandro Lago, could also have had a place on this team.)

Knut Olav Rindarøy - Molde

A quick leftback with excellent crosses.

Pontus Farnerud - Stabæk

Great passes, and he always knows what to do with the ball.

Anthony Annan - Rosenborg

Probably Rosenborg's most important player, great defensive abilities, works really hard through the whole match.

Makhtar Thioune - Molde

Player of the year. Great passing, vision and work rate.

Erik Huseklepp - Brann

Who can forget this goal? Has played great on the wing through the whole season, and might be ready for a bigger league now.

Rade Prica - Rosenborg

Top scorer in Tippeligaen.

Mame Biram Diouf - Molde/Manchester United

Bought by the English club this summer, but stayed in Molde on loan. Gets into dangerous positions and many goal scoring opportunities, however he could score even more goals if he just manages to keep his head cold.