Molde – Klaksvik : Preview & Prediction
A potentially crucial result eluded Molde in the first leg of this UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualifying round last week against Klaksvíkar Ítróttarfelag (KI) when they squandered a 1-0 lead to suffer a 2-1 defeat. They will now have to bounce back if they are to keep alive their hopes of a first UCL group stage appearance since 1999/2000, but only two wins in their last five official matches suggest that the Norwegian champions are not going through their best spell (E1, P2).
Molde has a rather impressive home record in this competition that coach Erling Moe will be looking to lengthen, as his team has not experienced a UCL defeat at home in seven matches (G4, E3). They scored more than two goals in each of the last five games of that streak, which perhaps bodes well for the task ahead. The most recent match in that sequence was a 2-0 win over HJK Helsinki, the same scoreline by which they also beat KI in their only previous meeting at home in August 2003.
KI’s win last week extended their unbeaten streak to 16 official matches (G14, E2), but that streak ended last weekend domestically against Víkingur, who sealed a surprising 2-1 victory. It was a very alternative eleven for that match that coach Magne Hoseth used, suggesting that the visitors have all eyes on finishing the job in this round.
That’s despite the fact that the Faroese side are already assured of becoming the country’s first team to reach the group stage in one of Europe’s three continental tournaments. However, Hoseth’s knowledge of his opponents could prove key in helping them make history in Europe’s top competition, as from his playing days, the 42-year-old holds the record as Molde’s top flight top scorer (84).
Players to watch: It was a busy night for Molde defender Martin Linnes last week, who provided an assist and picked up a yellow card in the first leg before scoring his side’s second in the 2-2 draw at the weekend. He will be hoping to keep KI striker Árni Frederiksberg limited this time around, given that he has notched a brace in three of his last four UCL appearances.
Key stat: Each of Molde’s last six official goals have come after halftime.
Molde – Klaksvik : Betting Tips
BTS/YES Odds: 2.25
