Viking vs Aalesund - Eliteserien

The Eliteserien returns to the home ground on August 30, 2026, where Viking and Aalesund will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Czech side Jablonec at Ibrox on Thursday, McInnes said: "I said that when I spoke to Lawrence.

Viking head into the contest positioned 2nd in the Eliteserien standings, while Aalesund arrive sitting 15th. Viking are operating at a remarkable level, their WDWLW run and a season win rate of 75% placing them among the Eliteserien's very best. Aalesund are in the midst of a slump, LWLDD over their last five and a paltry win rate of 15% summing up their struggles. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. Larson’s long-term plans have attracted renewed attention following teammate Alex Bowman’s recent announcement that he intends to retire from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2027 season.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Viking may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Aalesund have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

The fixture boasts genuine star quality. With Amin Chiakha topping the Eliteserien scoring charts at 12 goals, the stage is set for the kind of individual brilliance that can swing a contest. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Baleba made it clear that he wanted to sign last summer, but Brighton valued the midfielder in excess of £100m, which was not a realistic fee for United in a window when other areas needed to be prioritised.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Backed by home advantage and superior form, Viking ought to prevail — a 3-2 victory looks the logical call. Whatever the outcome, the Eliteserien fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.