Prediction: Molde vs Silkeborg

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 43/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Molde will welcome Silkeborg to Molde Stadion on Thursday evening for the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie.

Both teams are making their first continental appearance of the season after securing their spots in the second round through domestic cup victories in their respective previous campaigns.

Molde

After six consecutive seasons finishing in the top two of the Norwegian Eliteserien, including title wins in 2019 and 2022, Molde experienced a disappointing 2023 season, ending in fifth place, 19 points adrift of champions Bodo/Glimt.

However, they managed to salvage their season by clinching the Norwegian Cup for the sixth time in their history, securing a spot in the second qualifying round of the 2024/25 Europa League.

Molde have been a regular participant in European competitions in recent years, featuring in the group stage of a continental tournament in three of the last four seasons. They aim to make it to this year’s revamped league phase.

Currently, Erling Moe’s side is midway through their league campaign, sitting third in the table after 16 matches, trailing league leaders Bodo/Glimt by eight points.

Team News

The hosts are expected to make several changes following their disappointing 3-2 defeat against KFUM Oslo, a team competing in the top division for the first time in their history.

Magnus Wolff Eikrem is anticipated to start in the forward line once again, having already netted an impressive eight league goals in 15 appearances. Midfielder Kristian Eriksen, who also boasts eight Eliteserien goals, is likely to return to the side after serving a one-match suspension.

Silkeborg

Silkeborg qualified for the Europa League second qualifying round after winning last year’s Oddset Pokalen for just the second time in their history, narrowly defeating Aarhus Gymnastikforening 1-0 in the final.

Silkeborg have not been among the top teams in Danish football recently, having lifted the Danish Superliga only once in the 1993-94 season. They have finished in the bottom half of the league in two of the last five campaigns.

This will be their second appearance in European competition in the last 22 years. They played in the Europa Conference League group stage in the 2022-23 season after losing their Europa League playoff, with their previous appearance dating back to the 2001-02 season.

Unlike their hosts in this match, Kent Nielsen’s side only began their domestic league season last weekend, getting off to a strong start with a 1-0 win over newly promoted SonderjyskE.

Team News

Silkeborg’s dominant showing in their opening Danish Superliga match, where they outshot newly promoted SonderjyskE 18 to 8, might prompt Nielsen to stick with the same lineup for their Europa League clash.

Leading scorer from last season, Alexander Lind, is expected to spearhead the attack, with support from Tonni Adamsen and Anders Klynge. Klynge, who returned from a minor preseason injury, made an appearance off the bench in the last game and is likely to be included in the starting XI.

Conclusion

With Molde boasting the home advantage and a stronger squad, they are clear favorites heading into the first leg of this second qualifying round. It’s likely that they’ll have a lead to defend in the second leg.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 43/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet