Galatasaray are aiming to do the double over Norwegian side Molde in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie. The Turkish giants already have the advantage from the first leg and should ease to a comfortable victory in front of their fans.
Galatasaray were full value for the win in the first leg as they came from behind to triumph 3-2 in Norway. Sergio Oliveira and Mauro Icardi were both on target before Fredrik Midstjo netted a dramatic injury-time winner.
The Turkish giants are still yet to taste defeat this season as they look to secure a return to the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2019-20 season. The goals conceded in Norway were also their first in the last five matches across all competitions.
Galatasaray will head into Tuesday’s clash looking to extend their fine home record at the start of the season. Okan Buruk’s men have won their last three matches at the Rams Global Stadium, keeping clean sheets in all three wins.
Molde will be disappointed to have lost the first meeting after taking an early lead. They failed to build on Martin Ellingsen’s early opener and despite a second half effort from Kristoffer Haugen, the Turkish side appeared to have that extra bit of quality.
Although manager Erling Moe will feel their performance deserved something, that result is in keeping with Molde’s erratic showings lately. Molde have claimed just one win from their last five matches across all competitions.
A major problem for Molde as they head to Istanbul is that they have found things difficult on their recent travels. They have claimed just one win from their last four away matches and were beaten 2-1 by Faroe Islands side Ki in their previous qualifying fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it
Galatasaray are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/6 by William Hill. An unlikely win for Molde is valued at 21/5 by Coral while BoyleSports is offering odds of 16/5 for a draw.
Head to head
Last week’s clash was the first ever meeting between Molde and Galatasaray.
Players to watch
Mauro Icardi has become a fan favourite at Galatasaray and heads into Tuesday’s clash with four goals in his last three matches. The striker was also on target in the first leg and is priced at 10/11 by bet365 to maintain his scoring run.
Molde have already shown they can trouble the Galatasaray defence and will be keen for another fast start on Tuesday. Ola Brynhildsen remains their biggest goal thread and the forward is priced at 12/5 with bet365 to find the net.
Anything else catch the eye?
It was a five-goal thriller in the first meeting and another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards on Tuesday. Over 3.5 goals is priced at 7/4 with Paddy Power, over 2.5 goals is valued at 4/6 with William Hill, who is also offering odds of 7/10 on both teams to score.
Galatasaray are ultimately expected to earn a comfortable victory on Tuesday and can be backed in the -1 handicap market at 17/10 with William Hill.
This UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray and Molde will be played on Aug 29, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Galatasaray vs Molde prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
