Prediction: Molde FK vs Cercle Brugge KSV

Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw

Best Odds: 61/10

Bookmaker: Zetbet

Molde FK and Cercle Brugge KSV will lock horns with each other in the UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round. The first leg of the tie between the Eliteserien club and the Belgian Pro League team will be held at the Aker Stadion and is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm UK time on Thursday.

Molde FK

Molde FK are one of the most well-known clubs from Norway and have a rich history. They have been successful as well, winning the Eliteserien five times and the Norwegian Cup on six occasions. Molde are one of two Norwegian clubs who have played in the UEFA Champions League.

MFK are trying to book their place in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League this season after finishing fifth in the 2023 Eliteserien. Molde are fourth in the league table at the moment with 28 points from 17 games, as many as 12 points behind leaders Bodø/Glimt.

Molde will head into the match against Cercle Brugge KSV on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Silkeborg away from home in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round. It came after a 1-0 loss at the hands of Viking on the road in the Eliteserien which followed a 3-1 victory over Silkeborg at the Aker Stadion in the first leg.

Team News:

Molde FK are likely to line up in a 3-5-2 formation against Cercle Brugge KSV. Posiadala will be in goal for the home team and will have Oyvann, Hagelskjaer and Lund in front of him in defence. Stenevik, Kaasa, Moller Daehli and Breivik will be the five midfielders. Eriksen and Eikrem will be the two centre-forwards for Molde FK.

Cercle Brugge KSV

Cercle Brugge KSV are a modest club in Belgium and are based in Bruges. They have played in the Belgian Pro League since the 2003-04 season. Cercle Brugge have won the national title in Belgium three times, but that was way back in 1911, 1927 and 1930.

The Green and Black finished fourth in the Belgian Pro League last season. Miron Muslic’s side are struggling at the moment and are in dire form. De Vereniging are at the foot of the league table with no point from two matches.

Cercle Brugge KSV will head into the match against Molde FK on the back of a 2-1 defeat at home to Kortrijk in the Belgian Pro League. It came after a 1-0 victory over Scottish side Kilmarnock at Jan Breydel Stadium in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round which followed a 3-0 loss to Westerlo on the road in the league.

Team News:

Cercle Brugge KSV are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Warleson will be in goal for the home team and will have Ravych, Popovic, Utkus and Miangue in front of him in defence. Agyekum and Van der Bruggen will be the two holding midfielders. Somers, Olaigbe and Felipe Augusto will be the three attacking midfielders. Denkey will lead the line for the Belgian club.

Key Factors to Consider

• Molde FK have won 1 of their last 5 matches.
• Molde FK have lost 3 of their last 5 matches.
• Molde FK have drawn 1 of their last 5 matches.
• Cercle Brugge KSV have lost 3 of their last 5 matches.
• Cercle Brugge KSV have won 1 of their last 5 matches.

Conclusion

Both Molde FK and Cercle Brugge KSV have good teams and will be determined to progress to the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. The two-legged tie is going to be fiercely competitive, and it is very likely that the first leg will end in a draw.

Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw

Best Odds: 61/10

Bookmaker: Zetbet