A fierce local rivalry takes place here in Stavanger between two teams who have enjoyed good seasons so far. Viking are in 4th place and have at times played some excellent football. It was difficult to predict how the team would perform this season, but they have been very entertaining in recent weeks. All the last 8 Viking fixtures have seen both teams score, with 6 of those contests ending with over 2.5 goals. Viking games average an absurd 4.20 goals per game which is extraordinarily high.

Brann have also been involved in several high scoring contests. 8 of their 11 fixtures have contained over 2.5 goals and statistically they have some of the best offensive metrics in the entire league. At 2.05 xG per 90 mins, only table toppers Glimt have packed more of a punch in the final third. Key striker Bard Finne has been in brilliant form and that was the reason he got called up to the Norwegian national team squad recently. Brann are not as strong away from home so it’s slightly surprising to see them as a clear favourite here.

Over 2.5 goals look like the obvious bet here. Both teams are known for being involved in some high scoring contests and each side can back that up with some impressive underlying metrics. Viking themselves have an average xG of 1.83 per match which is the fourth most in the league. The home side will be well supported, and the intense atmosphere should also increase the likelihood of a spicy end to end type game. Odds of 1.45 look great to be backing over 2.5 goals.

2^nd placed Nacional and leaders The Strongest return to league action after a fortnight off for international duty on Saturday. In The Strongest’s case, aside from protecting their league supremacy, they will have their mind on Tuesday’s Libertadores game in Buenos Aires against River Plate, where they know a draw will probably be enough to see them qualify for the next round of the Sudamericana.

Manager Formosinho will be looking to hit the ground running with his new side. Four of The Strongest’s team in Viscarra, Jusino, Ursino and Arrascaita played a full ninety minutes in the national side’s friendly against Chile on Wednesday, while additional The Strongest players Quiroga and Roca also played against Ecuador three days prior.

Nacional have had a more settled break, with no players having been called up and no international football as a distraction, so will be fresher coming into this tie as they look to close the gap to their rivals who sit in the top spot. A Nacional win and several goals is the likeliest outcome, as Nacional are averaging more than 4 goals per home game.