Sports Mole previews Thursday's Europa Conference League clash between Viking FK and Sligo Rovers, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Sligo Rovers head into their third qualifying round tie with Viking FK looking to cause yet another surprise in the Europa Conference League.

However, the same can be said of their Norwegian opponents, who will feel confident of further progress after upsetting Sparta Prague last month.

Match preview

Ahead of this campaign, Sligo Rovers' most notable experience in Europe had been an Intertoto Cup appearance in 1996, but that is sure to have been replaced given their exploits over the past few weeks.

While the Irish side would have expected to overcome Bala Town, prevailing on penalties added much to that achievement, and they were clear underdogs against Scottish club Motherwell in the second qualifying round.

Nevertheless, John Russell witnessed his team put on the club's greatest-ever European performances, winning the away leg by a 1-0 scoreline before claiming a 2-0 success in the reverse fixture.

Such was the manner of the victory that Motherwell have since parted company with head coach Graham Alexander, but life has not all been positive for Sligo Rovers in recent weeks.

Three defeats have been posted in six matches in all competitions, the latest coming on Sunday as they suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Wexford in the FAI Cup.

That result will not have gone unnoticed by a Viking side that will still be reminiscing over their excellent success against Sparta Prague in the previous round.

Sparta were playing Europa League football last season before being demoted into the last 32 of the Europa Conference League, and Viking's 2-1 aggregate triumph was on par with Sligo Rovers' win over Motherwell.

The Dark Blues had been trailing to their Czech opponents, but a last-gasp goal from Mai Traore earned his team a famous victory.

On the domestic front, Viking currently sit in fifth position in Norway's top flight, 11 points adrift of frontrunners Molde.

Viking FK Europa Conference League form:

Viking FK form (all competitions):

Sligo Rovers Europa Conference League form:

Sligo Rovers form (all competitions):

Team News

Zlatko Tripic is an injury doubt for Viking having been withdrawn through injury during the closing stages last Thursday.

Traore could be drafted in as his replacement, although the forward may still earn a recall even if Tripic is passed fit.

Barring any further fitness issues, the remainder of the starting lineup could stay the same.

Russell made six changes to his Sligo Rovers XI for the cup defeat to Wexford and the assumption is that those players who dropped out will return on Thursday.

Forward Aidan Keena netted his 14th goal of the campaign in all competitions having been introduced as a replacement at the weekend.

Viking FK possible starting lineup:
Gunnarsson; Bjorshol, Brekalo, Vevatne; Kabran, Fridjonsson, Solbakken, De Lanlay, Pattynama; Karlsbakk, Traore

Sligo Rovers possible starting lineup:
McNicholas; Banks, Buckley, Blaney, Kirk; Cawley; Morahan, McDonnell; O'Sullivan, Kenna, Fitzgerald

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We say: Viking FK 2-0 Sligo Rovers

Given the manner of their victory over Motherwell, Sligo Rovers cannot be ruled out of this contest. However, there is a feeling that they are making a step up in class, and Viking will be particularly confident about controlling the home leg and earning a relatively comfortable win.

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