Prediction: HJK vs Molde

Verdict: Molde win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who will turn their attention back to Champions League qualifying duties on Tuesday evening, Molde will travel to Finland when they meet HJK for their first-leg showdown.

HJK

Starting with the hosts, while HJK might have extended on their Champions League qualifying adventure last week as they eventually clinched a nail-biting 3-2 aggregate win against Larne, it is fair o say that the Finnish outfit are seeking some recent stability. Although Toni Korkeakunnas’ men might have claimed a crucial 1-0 victory at home against Llves, that is only the second win that the Klubi have mustered from their last six appearances within 90 minutes. Largely crashing back down to earth since returning from June’s international break, the Helsinki-based outfit now face a real uphill battle in their bid to defend their Veikkausliiga crown this season. Although HJ might have continued to gain a reputation for their rugged approach at the Bolt Arena, Korkeakunnas’ inconsistent squad could face a stern challenge on Tuesday evening.

Team News

In what is a major blow for HJK on Tuesday evening, Korkeakunnas will once again be unable to call upon the duo of Oliver Pettersson and Valtteri Moren. Handed a rest while on domestic duties over the weekend, both Lucas Lingman and Pyry Soiri are expected to make a full return here.

Although Bojan Radulovic might have drawn a blank in three of his last four appearances, the 23-year-old will lead HJK’s charge in midweek.

Molde

As for the visitors, getting their Champions League qualifying adventure underway on Tuesday evening, the mood in Molde’s camp should be at a continued high. Picking up some perfect momentum last weekend while on domestic duties as they cruised their way to a 5-1 romp at home against Sarpsborg, Erling Moe’s men are riding what has been a major wave of momentum. Continuing to shine on either side of June’s international break, the Norwegian giants have now won each of their previous four domestic appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 14-2. Really enjoying a rampant run of form in the final third. Moe’s high-flying squad will be confident of claiming a crucial first-leg advantage here. In fact, Molde have lost just one of their last 13 straight matchups across all formats – a run that stems back to May 16th.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term injury issue and yet to make a single appearance this season, Molde will once again be unable to call upon 28-year-old Martin Ellingsen on Tuesday evening. Handed a domestic rest over the weekend, Eirik Haugan could be handed a full recall in midweek.

Continuing to impress over recent weeks and now notching five goals in just his last three appearances across all competitions, Eric Kitolano will certainly spearhead Moe’s charge at the Bolt Arena.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met for a friendly showdown back in March 2015, Molde picked up a 1-0 victory.
• Tuesday’s guests have won each of their previous four appearances across all formats by an aggregate score of 14-2.
• Likewise, Molde have lost just one of their last 13 straight matchups across all formats – a run that stems back to May 16th.
• HJK have recorded just a pair of wins from their last six appearances within 90 minutes.
• Each of HJK’s last five showdowns at the Bolt Arena have finished with under 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

Picking up some perfect momentum last weekend as they stormed their way to a 5-1 romp against Sarpsborg, Molde will be looking to make another statement here. Continuing to shine since returning from June’s international break and now winning each of their previous four domestic showdowns by an aggregate score of 14-2, Tuesday’s guests will be excited to get their Champions League qualifying adventure underway in midweek. Losing just a single appearance from their previous 13 contests, we are backing Moe’s side to land a crucial first-leg advantage here.

Verdict: Molde win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster