- Hradec Kralove are unbeaten at home in all competitions in 2026 (Won 4, Drawn 1, in last 5).
- Tromso IL have conceded 7 goals away from home in all current competitions (average 1.75 goals).
- Hradec Kralove have won 6, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 10 all-competition matches.
Hradec’s happy home
This Thursday's UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026 clash between Czechian side Hradec Kralove and Norwegian outfit Tromso IL is likely to be a tight, cagey affair at the Malsovicka Arena in Czechia. The hosts, set up in a back three with wing-backs, are a well-organised, compact unit that are more interested in getting the ball and transitioning quickly than they are in sitting deep and holding it.
David Horejs has done an excellent job since taking over on 28 February 2024. Hradec play with a real backbone and there is a low-risk, no-risk culture in their play that has served them well so far in the competition. After beating FC Nordsjaelland 3-0 at home, they held Wolfsberger to a 1-1 draw at the same venue before edging Tromso 1-0 away in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026.
Tromso can travel, but lack final third edge
Hradec's all-competition form is good (Won 6, Drawn 2 and Lost 2 in last 10), particularly at home where they have won two and drawn one of their last three. Tromso have also shown some form (Won 4, Drawn 3 and Lost 3 of last 10 all-competitions), but they have a greater need to come out on top in this match and that could be their undoing.
Jørgen Vik's side play a different style to Hradec, employing a 5-3-2 or 3-5-2 formation, but there is much more proactivity in their make-up. Tromso press higher and aim to get at their opponents on the break through the channels, which could be a problem here against a compact Hradec that will look to kill the tempo.
Squeezing through the gears
The Norwegians have won one, drawn two, and lost one of their last four away matches, so they can certainly travel to play at Hradec. However, they are conceding at a rate of 1.75 goals away from home in 2026 (7 goals in 4 games).
A cagey match will suit Hradec more, which is why the Under 2.5 goals market is 3/4 and Both Teams to Score - No is 22/25, as this has the feel of a European scrap. Hradec will try to kill the pace and Tromso will try to speed it up and force turnovers. The most likely scenario here is a tight win for Hradec, or at the very least a repeat of the 1-0 score-line they got in Norway, which makes their 3/2 price the best approach for this one.
Mick van Buren is the biggest threat to the Tromso goal for the hosts with one goal in one appearance in this competition.
