- Viking have won four of the last five competitive meetings with Aalesunds FK, including a 1-0 win in the NM Cup 2025 in June.
- Viking have won friendlies against Sarpsborg and AIK, and recorded a 3-0 cup win at Bjarg in the last round.
- Aalesunds FK are likely to make a cup run on the back of a goal and an assist from substitute Elias Myrlid.
Aalesunds are capable of a cup upset
Aalesunds FK are capable of upsetting the odds and giving a good account of themselves in the quarter-final of the NM Cup 2026 against Viking Stavanger. The Viking Stavanger vs Aalesunds FK prediction is that this match could be closer than the odds suggest.
The visitors are priced at 3.66 to win on Wednesday, which seems a bit steep considering Viking are available at 1.87 and the draw at 4.0. Aalesunds’ recent results suggest they can trouble their host at home, although our Viking Stavanger vs Aalesunds FK prediction still gives a slight edge to the form team, Viking, going into the contest.
New goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson brings a calm and experienced presence to the Aalesunds squad ahead of a crucial quarter-final that could lead to a semi-final, cup silverware and a European spot if they win. However, it is Ivan Djantou’s influence at the sharp end of the field that got Aalesunds through the previous round of the cup.
Viking’s vicious attack will test Aalesunds’ resolve
Kjetil Rekdal’s side turned the game at Egersund on its head by coming back from 2-1 down to win 3-2, with substitute Elias Myrlid playing a decisive role. The Viking Stavanger vs Aalesunds FK preview suggests a match ripe for such dramatic turnarounds. That was a classic cup tie in which the visitors were better in the second half before completing the comeback.
Aalesunds’ form has been inconsistent since then, however, picking up a momentum-building cup win but otherwise producing mixed results.
Rekdal sets up his 3-5-2 side to defend compactly and look to hit on the counter and from set pieces, as he did at Egersund. They use their wing-backs to get some width across the field, but there is a real difference in terms of style between these two sides that should lead to a tactical chess match on Wednesday.
Tale of two strikers in this NM Cup clash
Viking’s 4-3-3 is more fluid, but it’s still an aggressive system that presses intelligently and gets in behind teams with vertical passing and overlapping full-backs. This Viking Stavanger vs Aalesunds FK prediction is that Viking will create more chances than Aalesund, especially given their recent goal-scoring record. They have been scoring plenty of goals in their friendlies - two against Sarpsborg and four against AIK last time out - and should create more chances than Aalesund.
But the cup specialists may have the answer in Elias Myrlid, who came off the bench to grab a goal and an assist at Egersund. He can be a difference-maker as an impact sub.
Edvin Austbø is the emerging star of Viking’s attack, having impressed in pre-season with his sharpness and goal threat.
Zlatko Tripić remains Viking’s talisman and main creative force - providing goals and assists throughout their 2025 title-winning season and beyond into 2026.
Viking’s vision and versatility can win the day
Joe Bell is the maestro in the middle of the park, where his vision and passing ability make him the link between Viking’s build-up play and transition to attack. Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen, the dual-coach team that led them to the 2025 Eliteserien title, are likely to keep their foot on the gas for this cup tie, knowing their side can dominate possession and create more opportunities.
Viking are unbeaten in five friendlies and cup ties in preparation for the 2026 Eliteserien campaign, but Aalesund are the team that can keep it tight and strike on the break. According to the latest Viking Stavanger vs Aalesunds FK betting tips, both teams to score - Yes at 1.46 is the way to go here because of the likelihood of an open game on a cool and partly cloudy day in Stavanger.
Viking have the home advantage, superior form, better quality and more attacking depth to secure passage to the semi-finals, but Aalesund can keep it close enough to ensure a tight game is likely. Ultimately, the Viking Stavanger vs Aalesunds FK prediction is for a hard-fought match with Viking just edging through to the next round.
