Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, August 18, 2026
In the Champions League qualification final on August 18, 2026, the first leg between Dinamo Zagreb and Viking will take place. The hosts understand that they need to secure a victory.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Zagreb failed to extend their run of league titles in 2024/2025. However, they confidently reclaimed the championship last spring and started the new campaign with a win. The team from Stavanger unexpectedly broke Bodø/Glimt's dominance in the Eliteserien in 2025, finishing first in the league standings. Now, the two clubs have pulled away from the rest and are battling for another title. In the previous round, Viking suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to Rosenborg.
The Croatians have already passed two qualifying rounds. The first was clearly more challenging—with Thun, both matches ended in high-scoring draws, and they only went through after penalties. However, they crushed Žalgiris Kaunas 5-0 at home in the first leg and then narrowly won 2-1 in Lithuania. The Scandinavians are only just beginning their European campaign.
Oršić and company scored an average of 2.58 goals last season while conceding just 0.78. Viking have similar domestic stats: they score 2.44 goals per game on average.
Previous Matches: Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking
This will be the first head-to-head encounter between the sides.
The more experienced team is playing at home. We expect them to win here (odds – 1.76).
Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking: Key Statistics and Trends
- Dinamo Zagreb have won both of their previous qualification matches
- The team has averaged 2.58 goals scored and only 0.78 conceded per match
- Viking have won four of their last six matches
- On average, Viking score 2.35 goals and concede 1 goal per match
- 65% of Viking’s matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 3.35 goals per game
Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking: Probable Starting Lineups
Dinamo Zagreb play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Nevistić – Vinlef, McKenna, Dominguez, Valinčić – Kačavenda, Stojković, Mišić – Oršić, Beljo, Lisica. Filipović was sent off in the previous match.
Viking play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Estbe – Auklend, Stensness, Heggheim, Bjorshol – Kvia-Egeskog, Askildsen, Alte – Eustbe, Kristiansen, Tripić.
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team’s progress in the Champions League qualification standings.
