Brann look to extend their momentum in Kaunas

Brann arrive in Kaunas as the clear favourites, already with a win in the league phase and sitting 12th in the 36-team table. For Kauno Žalgiris, bottom of the standings with no points, the question is whether a side at the foot of the table can trouble a club with that kind of start.

Brann’s goals come in waves

Brann have won four of their seven matches this season, drawn two and lost once, scoring 15 goals and conceding 10. Their threat is spread across the game: three of their goals have arrived in each of the 31-45, 46-60 and 76-90 minute windows, so Žalgiris will need to hold their shape for the full 90. Brann have also been vulnerable late on, conceding four of their ten goals between the 76th and 90th minutes.

Žalgiris still searching for a first point

Kauno Žalgiris have one result on record, a defeat on the road in which they failed to score and conceded four. Two of those goals came in the 31-45 minute window, so a solid start will be vital for the hosts if they want to avoid repeating that pattern.

Our prediction

The gap in the table and in recent results points towards Brann, and our model also leans toward the visitors. Expect Žalgiris to be organised and compact early on and perhaps to frustrate for spells, but Brann’s spread of goal threats should eventually tell. A narrow away win looks most likely, with the game remaining tight for long periods.

Kauno Žalgiris 1-2 Brann