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Vikingur Reykjavik host Flora at the Vikingsvollur on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa Conference League clash in the third qualifying round. The Icelandic outfit are looking to reach the competition for the second time in their history, having made their debut in the inaugural 2021-22 edition.
After losing out to Shamrock Rovers in the Champions League qualifiers, Reykjavik dropped to this stage of qualifying. They faced Albania's Egnatia in the second qualifying round and won the tie 2-1 on aggregate.
Having lost the first leg at home, the Vikingur pulled off a comeback in the return. An own goal from Francois Dulysse coupled with a strike from Aron Elis Brandarson overturned their 1-0 deficit and progressed to the third round.
On either side of that comeback were a pair of league wins against HK Kopavogur (5-1) and Fimleikafelag Hafnarfjardar (3-2). That makes it three wins in a row for Arnar Gunnlaugsson's side in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Flora also witnessed a similar trajectory. They were beaten in the Champions League first qualifying round, paving their way to this stage. The Estonian side overcame San Marino's Virtus 5-2 on aggregate in the last stage, including three goals in extra time after their second leg ended 2-2.
Vikingur Reykjavik vs Flora Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- The sides meet for the first time in history.
- Flora have faced an Icelandic side just once in their history: KR in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, winning 2-1.
- Vikingur Reykjavik are unbeaten in their last five home games in Europe, winning three and keeping a clean sheet and in their last four.
- Of their last five games, Flora have won only twice, with both those wins coming in their most recent two clashes: a 5-2 win vs Firtus in Europe and a 3-1 victory vs Trans in the league.
- After going goalless in consecutive games, Vikingur Reykjavik scored 10 goals in their next three.
Vikingur Reykjavik vs Flora Prediction
Vikingur Reykjavik are a formidable side at home and enter the tie on a good run of form overall. Their comeback win away from home in the last round showed their mettle, and the Icelandic side will be eager to continue in the same vein.
Prediction: Vikingur Reykjavik 3-1 Flora
Vikingur Reykjavik vs Flora Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Vikingur Reykjavik to win
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
