Valur Rejkjavik vs Rosenborg Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Both of these sides are putting their league ambitions to one side this week, as they push for success in Europe. However, both teams aren’t enjoying the best of times domestically, as they aim to retain their titles. Will this be redemption for either side on Wednesday night, or are they both going to struggle after mixed success back home? Hosts Valur will be hoping a lack of European success won’t end up counting against them, but they don’t exactly have a track record which inspires confidence.

The hosts are champions of Iceland, but a 1-1 last week means they’re now trailing Stjarnan in the fight for the league title. They’ve managed to stay out in front for most of the season, but this week the distraction of Europe took over, and Valur let their lead slip. They can hardly be blamed for that, given the struggles they’ve had in continental competition in years gone by. They’ve made it in to Europe on 25 occasions, and on just two they’ve survived past the first round. They crashed out to Domzale in last season’s Europa League, after a narrow first round win over Ventspils. Their last Champions League campaign came 10 years ago, where they were beaten by BATE Borisov.

This is nothing new to Rosenborg, who were in the group stage of the Europa League last season, thanks to a qualifying victory over returning finalists Ajax. They were put out of this competition by Celtic a year ago, and the Norway giants are likely to go in to the next round at least. While they are second in their own league, three straight victories is strong form to take in to this clash.

Rosenborg proved their European credentials last season, scoring in four of their last five Europa League games. They were comfortable winners in their first Champions League qualifier agaisnt Dundalk, and we expect them to get a win against the inexperienced Valur. Their return to European football in 2017 brought a 10-1 aggregate loss to Denmark’s Bronby, so Rosenborg can expect to do well here.

The Icelandic champions do at least have a fantastic home scoring record in the league backing them up. They’ve also struck in their last three home European ties, so we expect them to do well in this clash. We’re backing both teams to score in this tie, with the hosts hitting 2.17 goals per game at home in the league. BTTS looks well priced between two attack minded sides, while Rosenborg’s greater experience has us backing them to win 2-1.