Viking have scored in 11 straight matches — can Sabah stop the Norwegians? Prediction for Viking vs. Sabah
On November 4, Norwegian side Viking will host Azerbaijan’s Sabah in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase. The hosts have collected just one point and sit 33rd, while the visitors have three points and occupy 25th place. Both teams are fighting for a place in the playoffs, and Viking’s attacking form promises an intriguing contest.
Viking: record scoring form and squad problems
Viking remain in the hunt for the Norwegian title, although they lost to their main rivals Bodø/Glimt (2-3) in the latest round. Both teams now have 59 points. In the Champions League, Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen’s side are still waiting for their first win. After losing to Stuttgart (1-3), the Norwegians sensationally held Bayern Munich to a 3-3 draw, but then fell to Aston Villa (1-3). Viking have nevertheless scored in 11 consecutive European matches, setting a new club record.
Before the meeting with Sabah, the hosts suffered several serious squad setbacks. Anders Bertelsen, Veton Berisha, Sondre Bjørshol, Nick D’Agostino and Martin Uve Roseth will all miss the match through injury. Much will depend on Peter Christiansen, who has recorded 15 goals and nine assists in 27 matches. Zlatko Tripić is another major threat, with seven goals and 24 assists to his name. At least three goals have been scored in each of Viking’s last seven home matches.
Sabah: a first Champions League win and inconsistent results
Sabah are playing their first season in Europe’s premier club competition. Valdas Dambrauskas’ team began the league phase with a heavy 0-4 defeat to Manchester United, before unexpectedly beating Slavia Prague (2-0). However, they failed to build on that success, losing 1-2 to Borussia Dortmund in the next round. Those three points keep the visitors’ hopes of advancing alive, although a difficult schedule awaits them.
Sabah are also facing difficulties in the domestic league. After a 2-3 defeat to Turan, the team sit second, behind Neftçi. The visitors have virtually no major squad concerns, with only Veljko Simić’s involvement in doubt. Their main attacking threat remains Joy-Lance Mickels, who has scored 11 goals in 20 matches this season. He will be supported by Kévin Parris, who has three goals in 15 appearances.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Viking have scored in 11 consecutive European matches
- At least three goals have been scored in each of Viking’s last seven home matches
- Sabah have collected three points from three Champions League rounds, beating Slavia 2-0
Will Viking extend their scoring streak? Prediction for Viking vs. Sabah
Viking have shown impressive attacking firepower, especially at home. The Norwegians have already managed to score three goals against Bayern Munich, so they are likely to create plenty of chances against a less experienced opponent. However, a long injury list and defensive errors could prevent the hosts from claiming their first win.
Sabah are capable of putting up a fight, as their matches against Slavia and Borussia Dortmund demonstrated. Given both teams’ attacking potential and inconsistent defending, we expect an open contest with goals at both ends, but no clear advantage for either side.
