- Stjarnan's five-match home record reads 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat with 2.20 goals scored and 2.00 goals conceded per game.
- Ilves Tampere's last three away record reads 0 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats with 2.60 goals conceded per game.
- Emil Atlason has scored 3 goals in 2 games for Stjarnan in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers and 4 goals in their last 5 games in all competitions.
Stjarnan the slight favourites on home ground
The odds are attractive enough to take Stjarnan to win and both teams to score when they entertain Ilves Tampere in a close UEFA Conference League qualifier at Stjoernuvoellur on Thursday. Stjarnan are 28/25 favourites against the Finns' 109/50 with the draw at 57/20, but there are other reasons why we are taking the home side with a safety net.
Stjarnan's record of 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat in their last five matches is not good enough to be convinced to take the home team outright, but it does show that there is a bit of bite in the hosts' game. Joekull Elisabetarson's men have not lost in their last two at home, but this game could turn on whether they can make the most of their flanks.
Stjarnan's 4-3-3 formation is built on width, quick flank switches and early vertical passes, whereas Ilves Tampere's 4-2-3-1 system is designed to be compact and spring forward in transition. This stylistic clash could make this a wing battle, with the hosts trying to stretch the opposition and the visitors hoping to get men behind Stjarnan's line.
Camilo Speranza’s side still bedding down
The Finns have conceded 13 goals in 5 away games in all competitions, which is a bad omen if Stjarnan's forwards can hit their stride on Thursday. However, the Ilves can also be a threat to the Icelandic side's defense, particularly livewire attacker Jardell Kanga, who has three goals in Ilves's last five. The visitors' recent five-match record of 1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats shows how streaky they are, so we cannot get too excited about the prospects of an away win. Camilo Speranza has been in charge since 6th July 2026 so they are still bedding in his voice, whereas Stjarnan have had continuity under Joekull Elisabetarson since 12 May 2023. Stjarnan's home stats in all competitions are good enough to win at 28/25, but we will take the Draw No Bet safety net in case the game ends up all square after a tense 90 minutes. Stjarnan are the more settled side and have the advantage of playing at home against a team that has conceded 13 goals in five away fixtures in all competitions so far.
