Liam Duckstein
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Vikingur Reykjavik and Borac Banja Luka meet at Víkingsvollur in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League 2026/27 Playoffs. These two sides are no strangers to each other. They crossed paths in the 2024/25 Conference League group stage, where Vikingur won 2-0, and now Borac returns to Iceland looking to settle the score on European ground. Vikingur enter as clear favorites, but Borac have been in sharp form and are not traveling as underdogs without teeth.
Gylfi Sigurðsson has been the standout performer for Vikingur in recent weeks, scoring three goals and adding an assist across five matches while leading the team in shots. For Borac, midfielder Stefan Savić has contributed two goals and an assist in four appearances, making him the creative engine Vinko Marinovic’s side relies on going forward.
A notable stat from Vikingur’s recent run: they scored 11 goals across their last five matches, including a 4-2 win over Hafnarfjordur and a 3-2 victory against Thun in European competition. Their attack has been firing consistently, even if their defensive record shows some vulnerability.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Conference League 2026/27, Playoffs |
| 🏟 Venue: | Víkingsvollur, Reykjavik |
| 🗓️ Date: | 20.08.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 20:00 CEST |
Vikingur Reykjavik vs Borac Banja Luka prediction
Vikingur are the stronger team on paper and hold home advantage at Víkingsvollur. Their 68% win rate across 34 matches this year underlines their consistency, and their attacking output in recent fixtures has been impressive. Borac, though, carry their own momentum. They have won four of their last five matches, conceding just once in three of those games. Their only blemish is a 5-4 thriller against Maxline, which skews their defensive numbers.
We predict a Vikingur win in a match that produces goals at both ends. The Icelandic side’s defense has been leaky, conceding twice to Hafnarfjordur and drawing 2-2 with both Thun and IBV Vestmannaeyjar. Borac have the quality to find the net at least once, even away from home.
Vikingur commit fouls regularly, averaging 51 across five games, and have collected 15 yellow cards in that span. That discipline issue could give Borac set-piece opportunities in dangerous areas. Borac, with only seven yellow cards in the same period, appear more composed and could exploit any momentum shifts caused by Vikingur’s card count. Vikingur’s pass accuracy and ball retention give them a structural edge, but Borac’s low defensive foul count and organized shape suggest they will make the hosts work for every goal.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Vikingur Reykjavik to win & Both Teams to Score |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Vikingur Reykjavik have been in decent domestic form, picking up four wins from their last eight matches, though two losses and two draws show they are not untouchable. Their most recent fixture was a 4-2 home win over Hafnarfjordur, a convincing performance that saw their forwards combine well. Before that, they beat Swiss side Thun 3-2 in European action, a result that carries real weight given Thun’s background. The concern is a 0-3 loss to Thun in the reverse fixture and a 2-2 draw with IBV Vestmannaeyjar, showing that Sölvi Ottesen’s side can be caught on the wrong day.
Borac Banja Luka have been in excellent shape over the past month, winning four of five matches without a single loss. Their last outing was a 5-4 win over Maxline, a chaotic scoreline that does not fully represent their overall defensive solidity. More telling was their 3-1 victory over Velez Mostar and a 3-0 win over Petrocub in European qualifying. Vinko Marinovic has his team scoring freely, with Amer Hiroš contributing three assists in four matches and Luka Juricic and Ante Roguljić both netting in recent games. Borac look dangerous in transition and are not afraid to press for goals away from home.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Vikingur Reykjavik | Borac Banja Luka |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
🚨Check out our dedicated Vikingur Reykjavik vs Borac Banja Luka stats page for more info.
Borac Banja Luka. Source: Official Facebook
Pre-game odds and win probability: Vikingur Reykjavik the favourite
- Moneyline Vikingur Reykjavik 1.56 | Borac Banja Luka 4.80
- Draw 4.05
- Over/Under Over 2.5 – available via selected bookmakers | Under 2.5 – available via selected bookmakers
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes – available via selected bookmakers | No – available via selected bookmakers
The market heavily backs Vikingur, and the odds around 1.56 reflect their home advantage and European experience at this level. Borac’s price of around 4.80 looks a touch long given their recent form, but the gap in class between these two sides justifies the spread. The draw at 4.05 seems fair given how Vikingur have struggled to keep clean sheets lately. To be honest, the value in this fixture sits with the goals markets rather than the moneyline alone.
Possible Starting Lineups
Vikingur Reykjavik possible starting eleven
- GK: Aron Snaer Fridriksson
- DF: Oliver Ekroth, Davíð Örn Atlason, Gunnar Vatnhamar, Sveinn Gisli Thorkelsson
- MF: Gylfi Sigurðsson, Viktor Örlygur Andrason, Aron Elís Thrándarson
- FW: Valdimar Thor Ingimundarson, Helgi Gudjonsson, Diljan Stigur Thordarson
Sölvi Ottesen is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, which has been Vikingur’s go-to shape in recent matches. Aron Snaer Fridriksson is the first-choice goalkeeper with eight saves across five games. Gunnar Vatnhamar adds threat from left back, having scored once recently. The midfield three will likely be anchored by Viktor Örlygur Andrason, with Gylfi Sigurðsson given freedom to push forward. Sigurðsson is the key man here. His three goals and four yellow cards show he plays on the edge, but his influence on the team’s attacking play is undeniable. Karl Fridleifur Gunnarsson could feature from the bench given his two assists and regular appearances.
Borac Banja Luka possible starting eleven
- GK: Mladen Jurkas
- DF: Sebastian Herera, Jurich Carolina, Siniša Saničanin, Abel Pascual
- MF: Stefan Savić, Sandi Ogrinec, Miloš Jojić
- FW: Amer Hiroš, Luka Juricic, Damir Hrelja
Vinko Marinovic should field a 4-3-3 as well, mirroring the shape Borac have used consistently. Mladen Jurkas takes the gloves, having featured in all four recent matches. The defensive unit of Herera, Carolina, Saničanin, and Pascual has been fairly settled. In midfield, Miloš Jojić brings experience with 384 minutes played, while Stefan Savić drives the team forward with goals and creativity. Amer Hiroš is the player to watch in attack. Three assists in four matches points to someone who reads the game well and links the lines effectively. Ante Roguljić offers an option off the bench with two goals from limited minutes.
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Vikingur Reykjavik. Source: Official Facebook
TipsGG Match Prediction
Vikingur Reykjavik are the logical pick to win this first leg at home. Their attack has been in fine form, they have European playoff experience, and they already beat Borac 2-0 in last season’s Conference League. Borac, though, are not the same side that traveled to Reykjavik in 2024. They arrive with four wins from five, a settled squad, and goalscorers in multiple positions.
Vikingur’s defensive record is the main concern. They have conceded in three of their last five matches, including two goals against a domestic opponent. Borac’s forward line, led by Hiroš and Juricic, will look to exploit that. We predict Vikingur to win 2-1, with both teams finding the net and the match delivering the goals the stats suggest are likely. The hot tip of Vikingur to win and both teams to score offers the best blend of confidence and value in this fixture.
