- Start form: Start have lost 3 of their last 5 games in all competitions (W2, L3).
- Viking form: Viking have won their last two games in a row (W3, D1, L1).
IK Start are solid at home, but not much more
Match context
The odds on Viking Stavanger to win at Sparebanken Norge Arena Kristiansand on Saturday are fair enough, considering they are the champions in waiting in Eliteserien 2026 with 33 points from 13 games and Start are 16th with 10 points from 15 games, but we'll take the home team to give them a good game.
Start's approach
Azar Karadas has molded Start into a compact, survival-minded team since taking over in February 2024. The 3-5-2 system is built on a deep block, narrow lines and fast counters. Start won't look to control the ball in games like this, they just want to nick chances and cause havoc on the break.
Viking's profile
That makes Viking's 4-3-3 a perfect match-up for the home side as the champions in waiting plays with tempo, width and a high press that has kept them sharp at the top of the league since Morten Jensen took over in January 2021. Viking's intensity can pin Start back and win the ball in advanced positions, but they'll be frustrated if the visitors can keep the play in the middle third.
Viking have the value
Viking to win at 1.4 isn't our choice to have a bet on as Start are 6.5 and the draw is 4.75, but the signs all point to a win for the visitors in what could be a scrappy game.
IK Start have gone 2-0-3 in their last 5 matches, winning 2-1 at Kristiansund BK last weekend, but that followed a 0-3 defeat at home to Rosenborg. Viking have won two in a row, beating Sandefjord 2-1 at home before a 2-1 away win at Lillestrøm SK.
Jesper Cornelius provides the spark for Start and has 2 goals in 5, while his team has scored 6 times in the same period. Viking have scored 10 goals in seven Eliteserien 2026 away trips, so they can travel with real punch in this matchup, so if their pressing works early on, they can hurt Start.
Viking to cover the spread and win with both teams scoring is a solid play as Start will hurt them on the counter, while the Over 2.5 goals and BTTS: Yes bet looks good at 1.44 and 1.63, respectively.
- Start have won only one of their six home games in the league and have lost two.
- Viking have five wins in seven away trips this season, losing only two.
- In their most recent clash in Eliteserien 2026, Viking won 6-3 and lead the last three meetings 2-1.
