Jensen pitches the case for his plastic Valhalla

Viking FK assistant manager Morten Jensen believes next week’s Europa League showdown with Aberdeen is too close to call but hopes his side’s artificial pitch can tip the tie in their favour.

The Dons take on Viking on September 17 at the 16,000-seater SR-Bank Arena, which changed to a synthetic pitch two years ago.

Jensen, speaking to Original 106, said: “We were quite excited as out of the three teams we could have faced Aberdeen was a good draw for us, especially getting them at home.

“It is a big difference playing on grass compared to on our turf.

“Even though it is a game without a crowd, it makes a big difference being at home because we can play on our AstroTurf.

“It is a different style of play when you play on AstroTurf than you do on grass.

“It is very pacey and it is different when it comes to putting pressure on a team and win the ball.

“It is easier to win the ball and pressure on grass than AstroTurf.

“Hopefully we can have a slight competitive advantage by playing on AstroTurf and training regularly on it.”

Viking are sitting 10th in the Norwegian top flight after 16 games and Jensen admits his side has struggled for consistency this term. Viking earned their spot in this season’s Europa League by winning the Norwegian Cup last year.

Jensen said: “I’m not sure the amount of games we have played going into that match will be a big advantage.

“We are ready in terms of conditioning but it is a European tie so both teams will be highly motivated.

“We know our top level is really high and up there with the best teams in Norway. We are currently not stable enough and it is a rollercoaster team this year.

“We are winning and losing. We need to find a better path to be more consistent.”

Jensen believes the tie against the Dons is finely poised but accepts both sides will be major underdogs whoever progresses to the third qualifying round to meet Sporting Lisbon in Portugal a week later.