Preview: Viking FK vs Dinamo Zagreb - prediction, team news, lineups

Within touching distance of history, Viking FK will welcome Dinamo Zagreb to Stavanger on Wednesday evening, when the pair complete their Champions League playoff.

All square after last week's first leg, the hosts have never reached the group or league phase of Europe's top competition, while Dinamo aim to qualify for the second time in three seasons.

Match preview

Viking's first Champions League campaign since 1992 - when they were beaten by Barcelona in the first round - got off to a terrible start, as they trailed by two goals inside 10 minutes last week.

The Norwegian side had lost all seven of their previous two-legged UEFA ties - including last year's defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Conference League qualifiers - and they were left staring at another early exit.

Yet they came roaring back, stunning Stadion Maksimir with a sublime strike from Peter Christiansen before captain Zlatko Tripic hauled them level as half time approached.

So, the Stavanger club are still very much in contention for one of seven spots left in this season's league phase; even defeat would see them take a consolation place in the Europa League.

Led by sporting director Erik Nevland and joint head coaches Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen, Viking earned their shot at the big time by halting Bodo/Glimt's domestic dominance last term.

Having finally ended a 34-year wait for glory by topping the Eliteserien, they now trail current leaders Bodo by one point, with a record of 13 wins, one draw and three defeats.

While Viking's league game was postponed to aid their Champions League chances, Dinamo were back in domestic action at the weekend, beating NK Varazdin 3-1.

Top scorer Dion Drena Beljo was on target once again, as the Zagreb club fought back from behind to keep their perfect record intact, making it three wins from three so far.

Crowned Croatian champions for the 26th time last term - while adding the cup for yet another domestic double - Dinamo are now targeting their 10th appearance in the Champions League group or league phase.

Mario Kovacevic's men started their qualifying journey in round two, edging past shock Swiss champions Thun after extra time, before easing to a 7-1 aggregate win over Kauno Zalgiris in round three.

Last week's first leg seemed to be following a similar vein when they raced into a dominant two-goal lead, with Beljo and Mateo Lisica both finding the target early on, but Viking quickly bit back.

Then, a late volley from Mislav Orsic came off the post, struck the back of goalkeeper Arild Ostbo and only ran behind for a corner, summing up their luck.

Nonetheless, history suggests Croatia's most successful club can still progress: Dinamo have won all but three of their last 24 Champions League qualifying ties.

Viking FK Champions League form:

Viking FK form (all competitions):

Dinamo Zagreb Champions League form:

Dinamo Zagreb form (all competitions):

Team News

Viking will still be missing Danish defender Anders Baertelsen - who broke a foot in training earlier this month - Martin Ove Roseth and Veton Berisha due to injury.

Peter Christiansen should lead the hosts' attack, supported by his fellow goalscorer in Zagreb, club captain Zlatko Tripic.

The latter - who was born in Croatia but represented Norway - has reached double figures for both goals and assists in each of the past three seasons.

Meanwhile, Dinamo can call upon Beljo to helm their front line, having started the season with six goals across all competitions; midfielder Lukas Kacavenda already has three in Champions League qualifying.

Fran Topic, Luka Stojkovic and Miha Zajc were all fitness doubts for Saturday's league game but only Stojkovic missed out, as Kovacevic made several changes.

Ivan Nevistic deputised for suspended goalkeeper Ivan Filipovic in last week's first leg, then started against Varazdin, so it remains to be seen who will be selected in Norway.

Viking FK possible starting lineup:

Ostbo; Heggheim, Stensness, Falchener, Haugen; Askildsen, Bell, Moi; Tripic, Christiansen, Austbo

Dinamo Zagreb possible starting lineup:

Nevistic; Valincic, Dominguez, McKenna, Perez Vinlof; Kacavenda, Misic, Zajc; Lisica, Beljo, Orsic

We say: Viking FK 1-2 Dinamo Zagreb (Dinamo Zagreb win 4-3 on aggregate)

Undefeated this season, Dinamo are an experienced outfit, having played in the Champions League's inaugural league phase, then reached the Europa League's knockout rounds last term.

The Croatian champions may have let Viking off the hook in Zagreb, but they will not make the same mistake again.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.