Viking — Rosenborg : Match Preview and Prediction for August 31,2025

Viking’s Dominant Season Performance

Viking has been absolutely relentless this season. The team currently shares the top spot in the league standings with reigning champions Bodø/Glimt, establishing themselves as a prime contender for the title. This isn’t mere rhetoric; it’s a verifiable reality backed by their impressive results. Their two most recent Eliteserien encounters against Bryne and Sandefjord both concluded in victories, a clear testament to their outstanding form in the championship.

Home Advantage and Attacking Prowess

The Stavanger-based club leads the league in total victories and ranks second for goals scored, having netted an impressive 47 goals in just 19 matches. This makes them one of the most prolific attacking teams in the competition. Furthermore, Viking has suffered only a single defeat in nine home games. Significant anticipation for the upcoming match guarantees a sold-out ‘Lyse Arena,’ creating immense pressure on their opponents. Midfielder Kristoffer Askildsen has openly stated that Viking will ‘roll over’ Rosenborg if they perform to their capabilities. Even without the suspended key midfielder Joe Bell, the hosts possess ample resources to assert their dominance.

Rosenborg’s Recent Woes and European Exit

Rosenborg approaches this fixture in a state of utter disarray. Just days ago, on Thursday, the team suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat in Germany against Mainz, leading to their inglorious exit from the Conference League. Media outlets have not held back, using phrases like ‘nightmarish minutes,’ ‘received a footballing lesson,’ and ‘hopes shattered.’ Rosenborg’s own players admitted after the match that they were ‘naive and cowardly,’ describing the game as a ‘tough experience.’ Given such recent events, how could one possibly bet in favor of this team?

Coaching Under Scrutiny and Away Form Concerns

Criticism is also mounting against head coach Alfred Johansson. Experts point to a lack of structured attacking play and the team’s tendency to shift strategy from match to match. Their issues aren’t confined to European competitions; in the previous league round, Rosenborg suffered another devastating 4-1 loss to KFUM. Add to this the short recovery period after an exhausting away trip to Germany and their generally poor performance on the road, where they currently sit 10th in the league. Statistics further highlight their away struggles: Rosenborg is among the teams with the most goals conceded away from home over the last five rounds.