Prediction: Molde vs Arsenal

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

The hectic nature of European football this season means that we are once again gearing up for another week of UEFA Europa League action, and it’ll all be going down on Thursday night. Clubs across the continent will be kicking off the second half of their group stage campaign and in Norway, Molde will be attempting to dish out some revenge to Premier League side Arsenal when the two meet once again – just weeks after the Gunners beat them 4-1 at the Emirates.

Molde

It’s been a disappointing league campaign for Molde as with five games left to go this season, they’re already mathematically out of the race to win the title. Still, they’re finding some success in the Europa League and they appear to be on track for a spot in the knockout stage, but they can’t afford to get complacent. They might be the underdogs heading into this one but there’s every chance they could upset the odds against an Arsenal team that has never been able to deal with pressure particularly well.

Team News

There may be a handful of changes from the reverse fixture but Molde don’t actually have that many injury problems to concern themselves with, as the only confirmed absence will be Haraldseid.

Arsenal

There are still so many questions when it comes to Arsenal Football Club’s real identity under Mikel Arteta, and we probably aren’t going to get any consistent answers for at least a few more others. The visitors are going to be coming into this game with the knowledge that a win will surely guarantee their place in the next round, but with the Premier League being so chaotic, there’s always a chance we’ll see some heavy rotation.

Team News

Kolasinac and Elneny are expected to miss out here after testing positive for COVID-19 with Saka’s fitness also being a concern. Chambers is another doubt for this game with Arsenal desperately searching for some stability with respect to injuries, as Martinelli, Mari and Partey continue to sit out.

Factors to Consider

• Arsenal are in 1st place in Group B with nine points whereas Molde are in 2nd place with six points.
• Molde have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Arsenal have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Molde have scored 12 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored eight goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

Arsenal are probably going to put out a slightly weakened side but even with that, Molde probably aren’t going to have what it takes to beat them. They’ll let loose and really go for their English opponents from the word go, but defensively speaking, that isn’t the kind of pace you can sustain for 90 minutes. Arsenal will be able to tire them out and eventually, they’ll run away with the win to keep their Europa momentum going.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport