Víkingur Reykjavík vs UMF Stjarnan Prediction: Víkingur up for revenge

Víkingur will commence their title defense as they host Stjarnan at the Víkingsvöllur on Saturday. Stjarnan won the last meeting between these two sides, but can they repeat that feat this time around? Below are previews, expert betting tips, and odds.

Víkingur will aim to defend their title after a dominant performance last season, winning the title with a 10-point lead over the second-placed team. They have maintained their strong form, remaining unbeaten in their last 12 games, spanning from last season to date. Recently, they secured the Super Cup with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Valur after a 1-1 draw in regular time. It's worth noting that the defending champions' last defeat came against Jökull Elísabetarson’s team.

Stjarnan finished third in the table last season and secured a Europa League qualification spot with 46 points. They displayed strong form by defeating Vikingur 3-1 and Breidablik 2-0 in quick succession, and they won their final 4 championship group games. However, their preseason performance has been underwhelming, with just 1 win (a 3-1 victory against Brentford 2) in 10 preseason games, including a 3-0 walkover loss to Kopavogur in the league cup's fourth round.

Emil Atlason, who scored 17 goals last season to become the league's top scorer, will be a key player to watch in this upcoming clash.

Víkingur Reykjavík have been in superb form since winning the Super Cup, remaining unbeaten in their last 12 games. They will be aiming for revenge against the team that defeated them last season. Moreover, Víkingur Reykjavík have won the last two meetings between these teams at this venue. On the other hand, Stjarnan have scored in 23 of their last 24 games. The last two games between these sides also saw goals scored in the first half.

• BTTS for 1.60 odds
• HT: Over 1.5 for 2.20 odds
• W1 for 1.60 odds