Two teams with 100% records after two UEFA Conference League matchdays battle in Belgium as St. Truiden host Brann, with both sides incentivised by the chance to make history here.
Match News and Current Form
St. Truiden have impressed in their maiden campaign in major European competition, winning to nil across the opening two rounds. Pre-tournament favourites Brighton were the only other side to keep a clean sheet in their opening two games, and a solid defence has given them a great platform to build upon as they aim to become the first Belgian side to win each of their first three major European matches since KSK Beveren in 1970. Back-to-back domestic defeats since their last European outing offer a note of caution though, with their loss against Leuven on Sunday leaving their home record perfectly split across the last six games they hosted (W3, L3).
Brann can also boast six points across their first two league phase outings, but that is heavily caveated by the fact both came against pointless Kauno Žalgiris and Lincoln Red Imps. Regardless, Brann will feel they can only beat what’s put in front of them, and they’re entering new territory here as they have the opportunity to win three games in a row in major European competition for the first time ever. Back-to-back domestic wins have set them up nicely to achieve such a feat, and having not tasted defeat on the road in continental action this term (W2, D2), they should certainly travel with confidence.
Head-to-Head History
This is a maiden meeting between these sides. Brann have played Belgian opposition four times before with a split record (W2, L2).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Five of St. Truiden’s last six home games were settled by a 2+ goal margin.
Only one of St. Truiden’s six European home matches saw both teams score.
After matchday two, Brann had taken the most corners in the Conference League (21).
Four of Brann’s last five competitive games produced over 3.5 goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
St. Truiden’s Frédéric Soèllé Soèllé is in fine form at the moment, scoring or assisting in his last six appearances (G3, A3), including his winner against Midtjylland on matchday two. Kristian Eriksen could be a solid shout to get on the scoresheet for Brann, as his last five goals all arrived on the road, though the last two came in losing causes.
Joedrick Pupe picked up an injury for St. Truiden at the weekend, a fate which also befell Brann’s Eggert Aron Guðmundsson.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Brann are priced up as big outsiders here, but given their solid away form in Europe and with the chance to make history, a punt on Brann in the Draw No Bet market could be worth considering.
Author: Chris Wilson