Fyllingen vs Brann - NM Cupen

Tactical intrigue takes centre stage on August 23, 2026 as Fyllingen and Brann prepare to square off at the home ground, with both managers known for their strategic nuance in the NM Cupen. He experienced victory in his only Old Firm appearance as a Gers player, but Sunday will be his first taste of the fixture in the dugout.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the NM Cupen contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Fyllingen's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Paulo Fonseca's men are still smarting from their Champions League play-off exit but now sit third in the table.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Fyllingen will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Brann must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. But it was a dual role for Rayo because he was also among the top dozen players for blocking crosses and winning possession in the defensive third.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. But this only highlights the gulf between Van Hecke and every other defender in the Premier League even more.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.