Brann vs Lincoln Red Imps prediction, odds and how to watch

Brann came from behind in their own way, surviving a frantic PAOK comeback to win 3-2 in the UEFA Europa Conference League and progress on the night. This was not pretty. It was competitive, scrappy, and occasionally chaotic. Which, if you ask me, is exactly what it needed to be.

Brann dominated in attack with 21 shots to Sandefjord's 13, hit the woodwork once, and still could not find a way through in a frustrating Norwegian Eliteserien goalless draw. Sandefjord's goalkeeper and defence held firm despite a side desperately short of form and fitness.

Lillestrøm scored twice inside the first 22 minutes and held on to win 2-1 at Brann, despite the home side dominating possession, shots, and everything except the scoreboard. Bård Finne pulled one back in the 89th minute but it was too little, too late.

Larne ground out a disciplined 2-0 victory over Lincoln Red Imps in the UEFA Europa Conference League, with two late field goals and a superior defensive structure proving decisive in Gibraltar.

PAOK dominated possession and territory for large portions of this Conference League opener but had to settle for a draw after Brann's clinical counter-punch was cancelled out by a headed equaliser from a substitute. The statistics paint a picture of a match PAOK should have won.

Brann have scored freely in the Conference League but cannot keep a clean sheet to save themselves. Lincoln Red Imps arrive in Bergen on Thursday with very little evidence on the road and four players unavailable.

Bottom-placed Start host sixth-placed Brann on Sunday in a match that could define the final shape of the Eliteserien table, with the hosts carrying the worst defensive record in the division and Brann arriving unbeaten in their last three away fixtures.

Brann host Lillestrøm on Saturday sitting sixth in the Eliteserien, carrying four injury absentees and a home record that offers their own fans precious little comfort. Lillestrøm arrive in poor away form but with enough quality to punish a side that cannot keep a clean sheet.