Stjarnan were tipped for a top-three finish this season. Instead they sit in the bottom-six group of the Besta deild — Iceland's top flight — for the first time since the league split into two stages in 2022. They sacked Jökull I. Elísabetarson in midsummer and now lean on a caretaker staff on the touchline. Their place, at least, is effectively secure: Stjarnan have nothing left to play for but pride. KA are a different story. They come south carrying the relegation fight on their backs, and they know three points in Garðabær would take them most of the way to safety.
The market
No market read is available.
On paper the two sides look alike: both have won twice, drawn once and lost once in their last four. But the story behind the numbers is different. Stjarnan beat Breiðablik and ÍBV without conceding, then shipped five at Kaplakriki against FH last time out. The defence has leaked all season, and the full-campaign record — 46 scored, 55 conceded — tells its own story.
KA arrive on an upswing after a 3–0 win over Þór in the Akureyri derby, with goalkeeper Steinþór Már Auðunsson keeping a clean sheet. Their away form shows the other side of the coin — a 0–3 loss at FH is a warning. By reports, captain Ívar Örn Árnason was injured in that very game and missed the Þór match; his return is the biggest question in the visitors' XI. KA sit fourth in the group on 23 points, two clear of the play-off place, and with three rounds left every game matters. Þór and ÍBV meet on the same day, so at least one relegation rival will gain ground — which makes the result in Garðabær worth even more to KA.
LAST 4 MATCHES
Both teams to score: 2 of 4
Both teams to score: 2 of 4
The game turns on the space between KA's lines. Benedikt V. Warén has been just about Stjarnan's only bright spot this summer — nine goals and four assists in the league, two goals in his last two matches, and the second-most big chances created in the division. Since Birnir Snær Ingason arrived, Benedikt has pushed higher up, freed to operate as a creator in the pocket behind the front man.
That is exactly where KA are most vulnerable. Their back line was reshuffled after Ívar Örn dropped out, and the question is whether André Rømer and company can close the space where Benedikt does his damage. If KA can crowd him out and force Stjarnan to work around the box, a clean sheet is realistic — they managed it against Þór. But if Benedikt gets to turn with the ball between the lines, it will be a long afternoon for the visitors.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
~28 Jun 2026 · Besta deild · Stjarnan home · Stjarnan 3–1 KA 2026 · Besta deild · KA home · KA 2–3 Stjarnan
THE PICK
Both teams to score: Yes
With no market line to lean on, this is read off the game itself: two weak defences and two sides that have both shown they can score and concede in bunches. Stjarnan have beaten KA twice in the league this year and hold the individual edge in Warén, and at home the balance tilts toward the hosts in an open game.
The risk is motivation. Stjarnan have nothing riding on the result and could turn up flat, while KA are playing for their league survival — and they proved against Þór that they can keep a clean sheet when it counts. If the game goes the way of KA shutting Benedikt down and Steinþór keeping a second straight clean sheet, an away win is far from far-fetched. But everything points to goals.
Stjarnan return to Samsungvöllurinn on a freshly laid artificial surface, having played two home games in the indoor hall at Miðgarður while the turf was relaid. The first match on the new pitch, a 2–0 win over ÍBV, set the tone. Now the hosts get another chance to make it a fortress — at the very moment their opponent needs the result most.