Viking vs IK Start on 6 February
On February 6, two Norwegian football sides, Viking and IK Start, will lock horns in a friendly match that promises to be an intriguing encounter in the lead-up to the new season. While friendly matches are often seen as less critical in terms of points, they hold immense value in preparation and experimentation. Both teams will aim to fine-tune their systems and give fans a taste of what’s to come in the competitive fixtures. With the match set to take place at Viking’s home ground, the Stavanger Arena, this is more than just a pre-season friendly—it’s an opportunity to establish momentum. What will the teams' tactical setups reveal about their ambitions this season, and which squad will come out on top in this tactical showdown?
Viking: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Viking enters this match with a well-rounded squad that mixes experience with young talent. In their last five games, they've shown a solid run, picking up three wins and two draws. This form indicates a steady build-up to the season, but there's room for improvement in the final third. Viking’s tactical approach is built on a compact 4-3-3 formation, which relies on a high pressing game to disrupt their opponents early. They excel in transitions, with quick counter-attacks being their primary weapon when winning possession in the midfield.
Statistically, Viking boasts a pass accuracy of 81.4% in their recent matches, with a commendable 58% of possession in the final third. They generate an average of 2.3 xG (expected goals) per match, suggesting they create decent chances but often lack the clinical finishing that top sides need. Their pressing stats are also solid, with 10.4 pressing actions per match, showcasing their desire to win the ball high up the pitch.
Key to Viking’s approach is their central midfielder, who controls the tempo of play and dictates the transitions. Look out for playmaker Kristoffer Løkberg, who has been in impressive form and will likely be the focal point in the middle of the park. However, Viking faces a setback as striker Veton Berisha is recovering from an injury, which could disrupt their attacking rhythm.
IK Start: Tactical Approach and Current Form
IK Start’s tactical setup is more balanced, often opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation that prioritizes defensive solidity and quick attacking transitions. Their recent form has been a mixed bag—two wins, two losses, and one draw—indicating that while they can compete, consistency remains an issue. Nevertheless, their focus on counter-attacking football has served them well in previous encounters, and they’ll look to exploit Viking’s high defensive line with quick, direct balls to their forwards.
Looking at their key statistics, IK Start have shown a solid defensive structure, conceding an average of 1.1 goals per match in their last five outings. They also maintain 46% possession, highlighting their preference to absorb pressure and spring forward quickly. In terms of creativity, they average 1.5 xG per match, showing a reliance on creating high-quality opportunities from set-pieces and quick transitions.
One of the standout players for IK Start is winger Ole Jørgen Halvorsen, whose dribbling and pace make him a constant threat on the counter. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one will be crucial in breaking Viking’s press. However, IK Start will also be without their defensive leader, Ruben Kristiansen, who is sidelined due to injury, potentially leaving gaps in their backline that Viking will look to exploit.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their previous five encounters, Viking has had the upper hand, winning three times while IK Start has secured two victories. The nature of these games has often been tight, with Viking’s high press causing problems for IK Start, but the latter’s counter-attacks have always been a threat. Last season, they played out a 1-1 draw, with Viking’s late equalizer preventing IK Start from sealing the win. Historically, Viking has enjoyed a slight edge in both recent and overall meetings, but IK Start’s ability to counter quickly is something Viking needs to be wary of. This clash has the potential to follow a similar script, with Viking dominating possession but being vulnerable to fast breaks.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key tactical battle in this match will center around the flanks, particularly the duel between Viking’s full-backs and IK Start’s wingers. Viking’s full-backs, who push high up the pitch to overlap with the wide attackers, will be crucial in their build-up play. However, their forward runs leave space in behind, which could be capitalized on by the pace of Ole Jørgen Halvorsen and fellow winger Sondre Bjørshol, who will look to exploit any gaps left by Viking’s high defensive line. If Viking's full-backs are caught too far up the pitch, it will be up to their central defenders to cover the space—something they’ve been inconsistent at this season.
Another key battle will be in the middle of the park, where Viking’s Kristoffer Løkberg will face off against IK Start’s defensive midfielders. Løkberg is the creative hub for Viking, and how well he is allowed to dictate the tempo will determine the flow of the match. If IK Start can disrupt his rhythm with tight marking and pressing, they’ll have a chance to dominate the midfield and launch counter-attacks effectively.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This friendly match will likely see Viking dominate possession, as is typical for them, while IK Start will look to defend deep and hit on the counter. Viking’s pressing game should force errors in IK Start’s build-up play, but their inability to convert chances will keep the game in the balance. Expect a solid first half from both teams, but as the game progresses, Viking’s fitness levels and pressing will give them the edge. However, with the absence of Berisha in attack, Viking might struggle to break down a resilient IK Start defense.
Given the nature of both teams’ styles, we predict a 2-1 victory for Viking, with the match being decided by a late goal. The key metrics to watch will be Viking’s xG, which should be higher than IK Start’s, and their pressing actions, which will determine the intensity of the match. Both teams are likely to create chances, but Viking’s attacking quality and fitness should see them through in the end.
Final Thoughts
In summary, this friendly is set to be a tactical battle, with Viking looking to impose their high press while IK Start attempts to spring dangerous counter-attacks. Viking’s depth and quality should give them the edge, but their attacking efficiency will be key to securing the win. As the match unfolds, it will answer a key question: can Viking overcome their attacking inefficiency, or will IK Start’s counter-attacks prove to be their undoing?
