Viking vs Kristiansund BK - Eliteserien

Tactical intrigue takes centre stage on September 13, 2026 as Viking and Kristiansund BK prepare to square off at the home ground, with both managers known for their strategic nuance in the Eliteserien. Enzo Maresca and Rico Lewis held a pre-match press conference on Saturday as Manchester City prepare to face Atletico Madrid in their third pre-season friendly of the summer.

Viking head into the contest positioned 2nd in the Eliteserien standings, while Kristiansund BK arrive sitting 14th. It has been a dominant campaign for the hosts, WDWLW over their last five and a win rate of 75% that few in the Eliteserien can match. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, LWDLW in their last five reflecting a win rate of 25%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. If the recent winter window is anything to go off, meanwhile, United are once again unlikely to spend big for reinforcement half-way through the season.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Viking favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Kristiansund BK are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman Amin Chiakha, whose 12 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Tottenham have made contact over a sensational move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as Roberto De Zerbi continues his ambitious summer rebuild.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Backed by home advantage and superior form, Viking ought to prevail — a 3-1 victory looks the logical call. Whatever the outcome, the Eliteserien fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. All I ever wanted to do was win a championship for the New York Giants.” Beckham Jr is likely to play in the Giants’ first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium next weekend.