Viking Stavanger vs FK Haugesund Best odds and tips

Viking Stavanger are runaway favourites with the bookmakers at 1.25 to beat FK Haugesund on Wednesday, but the 9.00 odds on the visitors is far too generous. Viking are a high-octane, attack-minded side who have made themselves one of the most exciting teams in the Eliteserien under Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim. Aarsheim’s all-out attack philosophy has seen Viking become one of the highest scoring sides in the division, but they have also been vulnerable at the back on occasion. However, the sheer volume in the box and the pace at which they play means that most teams are unable to keep up with the hosts’ tempo. Sondre Bjorshol is a key man for Viking as he provides the width and delivers pin-point crosses from right-back, while HK Helgason’s late runs into the box and energy in transition has been a revelation. But it is Zlatko Tripic who leads the line and is the focal point of the attack. The striker is a constant menace, never stopping his movement and creating space for others.

FK Haugesund will try to keep things tight and keep the game in a compact shape, sitting deep and hoping to nick a goal on the break. Captain Bruno Leite anchors midfield, covering the defence and breaking up play. Ismael Seone is the main threat for the visitors with 2 goals in his last 5 games, but Haugesund have only scored 4 goals in that time. In their last 2 games, Viking drew 4-4 at home against Tromsoe and then hammered Hamarkameratene 5-2 away, so it’s clear to see which team has the firepower to hurt the other.

Viking have won 2 and drawn 1 of their 3 home games in the Eliteserien 2025, averaging 3.33 goals per game at home. Haugesund have lost both of their away games in the Eliteserien, conceding an average of 2 goals per game. Sancheev Manoharan has taken a more conservative approach since taking over as manager of Haugesund, but their attacking output has suffered as a result. Haugesund have won 1 and lost 2 of their last 3 away games. They have lost 3 of their last 5 games, with their last 3 results reading: 0-5 defeat at home to Stromsgodset IF, 1-3 defeat away at Bryne FK and a 0-0 draw at home to Fredrikstad FK. Viking have won 4 of the last 6 head-to-heads, with Haugesund winning once and 1 draw. Haugesund have failed to win any of their last 3 away games against Viking, so Viking will be keen to get 3 points on Wednesday to maintain their title charge.