ST MIRREN have come flying out of the traps in the new campaign and will be hoping that momentum can carry them to another memorable European victory against Brann in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
The Buddies booked a return to Europe for the first time since 1987 by finishing fifth in the SPFL Premiership last term and were rewarded with a tricky opener on the road against Icelandic side Valur.
But Stephen Robinson's men battled out a 0-0 draw on the road then blew their opponents away with an impressive 4-1 win back in Paisley, a result that brought up three bets for our man Greg.
That was followed up by a 3-0 home triumph over Hibernian in their SPFL opener on Sunday so St Mirren head into this clash with Brann on a high.
But the Norwegians represent a step up in class from Valur after finishing second behind Bodo/Glimt in the Eliteserien last term. It's a position they occupy again midway through the new campaign so Brann are also in good form.
That extra match sharpness could tilt the tie in Brann's favour but St Mirren will be desperate to get a positive result on home soil to give themselves a chance of progressing to the play-off round.
How the bookies view it: St Mirren written off
After St Mirren's impressive home display against Valur, I'm a little surprised to see them as big as 5/2 for this one. Brann are Betfred's 9/10 favourites while the draw pays 12/5.
Head to head: Buddies eye another Norwegian scalp
These sides have never faced each other before but St Mirren can take heart from the fact they've already beaten a Norwegian side in Europe. That came in the Cup Winners' Cup back in 1987 when they beat Tromso 1-0 at home then ground out a 0-0 draw in Norway.
Players to watch: Bard out to write the headlines
Bard Finne was one of the Brann heroes in the last round against Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles as he scored the opener in their 2-1 win. He also netted at the weekend in a league win over Stromsgodset so his tail with be up. The forward is 15/8 for anytime scorer.
Mark O'Hara is always a goal threat from St Mirren's midfield and he scored a screamer in the win over Valur. He missed the win over Hibs with a niggle but should return to face Brann and looks overpriced at 11/2 for a goal as he usually takes the Buddies penalties.
Probable teams
St Mirren boss Robinson will be hoping O'Hara can shake off his knock to feature while Mikael Mandron is back in contention to start after a weekend appearance off the bench. Brann should be along similar lines to the team that defeated Go Ahead Eagles.
St Mirren: Balcombe, Taylor, Gogic, Brown, Fraser, O'Hara, Rooney, Ayunga, Olusanya.
Brann: Dyngeland, Hellan, Knudsen, Soltvedt, Kristiansen, Pedersen, Myhre, Kornvig, Warming, Castro, Finne.
Anything else catch the eye?
St Mirren went for the throat against Valur in Paisley but that was a second-leg tie and they might be a bit more cautious at home to better opposition. I've a feeling this match will be tight and tense so betting against BTTS could pay off at 11/10 with Betfred while under 2.5 goals pays evens at Bet365.
The half-time draw looks another decent option at 5/4 while backing most goals to come after the break pays 21/20.
St Mirren are strong on set-pieces and I'd imagine they will try to play for corners and free-kicks. Over 10 corners pays 5/6 with Bet365 and the odds increase to 5/4 if you back over five first-half flag kicks.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between St Mirren and Brann will be played on Aug 8, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best St Mirren vs Brann prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
