Viking Stavanger
- Viking Stavanger are unbeaten in five matches after a good preseason and 3-0 cup win at Bjarg.
- Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen led the club to the 2025 title with an aggressive, high-scoring approach and we cannot expect any change in philosophy for this knockout tie.
- Zlatko Tripić remains the talisman and provided vital goals and assists during the 2025 campaign.
- Joe Bell is the maestro in the center of the park, whose vision and passing help switch Viking from defence to attack.
Aalesunds FK
- Aalesunds FK reached the quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 comeback at Egersund but have been inconsistent.
- Kristoffer Klaesson has been the big talking point around Aalesund ahead of their NM Cup quarter-final at Viking Stavanger.
- Kjetil Rekdal is a pragmatic coach who sets up to be solid and can be patient, while also having a few tricks to cause an upset.
- He will likely set up a compact 3-5-2 that gives wing-backs width and allows Aalesund to hit on the break or from set-pieces.
Head-to-Head
- Viking have dominated this fixture in recent times, winning four of the last five competitive meetings.
- That run includes a 1-0 NM Cup victory in June 2025.
Key Players
- Viking
- Zlatko Tripić - remains the talisman and provided vital goals and assists during the 2025 campaign.
- Joe Bell - maestro in the centre of the park, whose vision and passing range are key.
- Edvin Austbø - a young forward who impressed in pre-season and looks ready to contribute.
- Aalesunds FK
- Kristoffer Klaesson - new goalkeeper and the big talking point for the visitors.
- Elias Myrlid - wildcard off the bench who assisted and scored at Egersund.
Betting Insights
- The odds: Viking 1.87, Aalesund 3.66, draw 4.0.
- Backing both teams to score - Yes at 1.46 looks a playable bet given Viking’s attack and Aalesund’s set-piece threat.
Prediction
- Viking to edge it because they have the better side, recent cup success and home advantage.
- Expect a matchup of styles with Viking controlling possession and Aalesund looking to hit on the counter and from set-pieces.
- Both teams to score is the recommended market.
