The hosts are expected to lead at some point against the visitors, who appear below their best at the moment.
Key Stats
- Vikingur Reykjavik are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Vikingur have led at some point in their last seven home matches in all competitions.
- Hapoel Beer Sheva have failed to win five of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Hapoel Beer Sheva have gone behind at some point in five of their last six matches in all competitions.
No Previous Meetings
This will be the first-ever meeting between Vikingur Reykjavik and Hapoel Beer Sheva.
Smooth Sailing for Vikingur
Vikingur Reykjavik reached the second qualifying round after claiming a 3-2 victory over Gyor. Having secured a 1-0 home victory in the first meeting, they held out for a 2-2 draw in the second leg to progress.
The Icelanders are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions, although they lost 2-1 at Thor Akureyri in a domestic clash last weekend. Solvi Ottesen’s team are back on home soil for this clash and have won their last seven matches in front of their fans.
Vikingur Reykjavik have been deep in competitive action and are showing plenty of attacking quality. They have led at some point in their last seven home matches in all competitions.
Hapoel Struggling for Best Form
Hapoel Beer Sheva drew a bye from the opening round of the Champions League and are set to make their first appearance on Tuesday. They have found things difficult lately and are winless in five of their last six matches, suffering four defeats in this run.
The Ligat Ha’al side travel to Vikingsvollur off the back of a 3-1 defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli Super Cup. They were second best throughout the contest, with Kings Kangwa’s first-half effort proving a mere consolation.
One of the issues for Hapoel Beer Sheva is that they seem unable to keep things tight at the back, having conceded in their last eight matches. Ran Kozuch’s team have gone behind at some point in five of their last six matches in all competitions.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Vikingur Reykjavik (4-3-3): Ogmundur Kristinsson; Karl Gunnarsson, Oliver Ekroth, Sveinn Thorkelsson, Helgi Gudjonsson, Tarik Ibrahimagic, Daniel Hafsteinsson, Gylfi Sigurdsson; Valdimar Ingimundarson, Nikolaj Hansen, Oskar Borgthorsson.
Vikingur Reykjavik have no injuries or suspensions and are likely to maintain much of the team that featured in the previous round. Sigurdsson got on the score sheet last time out and should continue in midfield while Ekroth is set to start in defence once again.
Hapoel Beer Sheva (4-3-3): Ofir Marciano; Guy Mizrahi, Miguel Vitor, Matan Baltaxa, Ofir Davidzada; Eliel Peretz, Lucas Ventura, Kings Kangwa; Roy Levy, Igor Zlatanovic, Amir Chaim Ganah.
Hapoel Beer Sheva also have a fully fit squad heading into this clash. Vitor and Baltaxa should continue their partnership in central defence while Zlatanovic is set to lead the line once again.