Prediction: Molde vs Galatasaray

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 61/50

Bookmaker: Luckster

Molde will welcome Galatasaray to the Aker Stadion in Norway on Wednesday, for the first leg of their clash in the Champions League qualifications play-off round.

Molde

Molde’s journey through the Champions League qualifiers has been marked by both resilience and challenges. Their ability to overturn deficits, as seen in their matches against KI Klaksvik and HJK Helsinki, demonstrates their determination and adaptability. However, they will be aware that facing Galatasaray presents a significant step-up in opposition quality compared to their previous opponents.

KI were the first team from the Faroe Islands ever to reach the third round of the qualifications of UEFA’s elite club competitions, and their motivation to do more was clear in the first leg when they triumphed 2-1 over Molde. However, Erling Moe’s team bounced back on their home soil by winning 2-0 to secure progress.

Kristian Eriksen struck first in the 17th minute and it was the only goal of the regular 90 minutes, taking the game into extra time where Martin Linnes nailed the all-decisive second goal to for his team to go through without the need for a penalty shootout.

Molde reached this stage of the qualifying process in 2020/21, when they were knocked out by Hungarian side Ferencvaros, and they haven’t been in the group stage of the Champoins League since 1999/20. Such a drought speaks volumes on their motivation to break the curse.

Team News

Moe’s approach of rotating the squad to manage the physical demands of consecutive matches showcases their pragmatic approach to balancing European and domestic competitions. After a challenging 120 minutes against KI Klaksvik, it’s understandable that the coach opted to rest some key players for the weekend fixture, a goalless draw at home against Valerenga.

The inclusion of Martin Linnes among those rested indicates his importance to the team, and his return to the starting lineup for the this game is expected. Linnes’s role as a right wing-back in Molde’s 3-5-2 formation contributes not only to their defensive structure but also their attacking capabilities down the flanks.

Ola Brynhildsen and Magnus Wolff Eikrem are also players likely to return to the starting XI. Their contributions in the final third will be crucial as Molde seeks to make the most of their home advantage and secure a positive result ahead of traveling to Turkey for the rematch.

Galatasaray

While Galatasaray faced a relatively close tie against Zalgiris in the second round, their more decisive victory over Olimpija Ljubljana in the third showcased their capabilities. The 3-0 triumph in Slovenia ensured their place in the playoff round, and a goal from Mauro Icardi in the return leg in Ljubljana secured a third consecutive Champions League win even with a numerical disadvantage due to a red card.

The defensive stability of the Turkish side has been evident since their opening encounter with Zalgiris. They did not concede a single goal in the five matches played since, which obviously bodes well for their chances of progressing to the Champions League group stages.

The last game Okan Buruk’s men played was a home 2-0 victory over Trabzonspor, in which Icardi delivered the goods twice, in the 23 minute and in the second-half stoppage time. However, the goalless draw away to Kayserispor in the opening round of the Turkish Super Lig has them two points adrift of table-topping Fenerbahce, the only team in the league to have won both their games.

Team News

Galatasaray will have to navigate their play-off round tie against Molde without Lucas Torreira, who serves a suspension due to a red card in the second leg against Olimpija. The absence of the former Arsenal man creates an opportunity for players like Kerem Demirbay and Sergio Oliveira to step in and contribute in the middle of the park.

There are concerns about the availability of newly-signed winger Wilfried Zaha for this game due to a foot injury sustained in the previous European match. Also, center-back Emin Bayram’s injury, which forced him off in the last game, could potentially affect the defensive setup.

Despite potential changes, the trio of Kerem Akturkoglou, Baris Yilmaz, and Dries Mertens is expected to remain unchanged, providing support for the in-form Icardi upfront.

Conclusion

Molde’s defensive resilience isn’t very likely to be enough to keep out the formidable attackers in Galatasaray’s ranks, quite apart from the fact that the visitors clearly know how to keep a clean sheet as well.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 61/50

Bookmaker: Luckster