Molde are aiming to overturn a one-goal deficit as they host HJK Helsinki in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League second round tie. The Norwegians often do their best work in front of their fans and with Helsinki not particularly convincing on the road, a home win looks the most likely outcome.
Molde will fancy their chances of turning things around at home despite being one goal down from the first leg. They have been in good form lately and that result in Helsinki was their first in seven matches across all competitions.
The Norwegian giants responded to that defeat by claiming a 1-0 victory over Stabaek in a domestic fixture last weekend. Veton Berisha’s penalty midway through the second half proved to be the difference.
Another reason for Molde to be confident is their recent home record having won the last eight matches at Aker Stadion. The goals have flowed freely for Erling Moe’s men, who have found the net eight times in the last two matches, although they are without a clean sheet across both fixtures.
HJK Helsinki will consider themselves lucky to hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg as they were second best for much of that encounter. Topi Keskinen struck the only goal midway through the first half with their only attempt on target and they weathered some intense pressure to hold on for the win.
The Finnish champions may not have been at their best last week but the result is in keeping with their recent form. Toni Korkeakunnas’ men are unbeaten in their last five matches, claiming dour wins in that run.
A slight problem for HJK Helsinki is that they have found things difficult on their recent travels with just two wins in their last nine away matches across all competitions. The major problem is a lack of discipline at the back having kept just two clean sheets in that run.
How the bookies view it
Molde have the upper hand among the bookies with a home win priced at 1/5 by William Hill. A victory for HJK Helsinki is valued at 16/1 by Coral while Unibet is offering odds of 11/2 for a draw.
Head two head
HJK Helsinki have won the previous two meetings with Molde as they triumphed 1-0 in a friendly back in 2015 before claiming a similar victory in last week’s first leg.
Players to watch
Molde have multiple attacking threats with Ola Brynhildsen, Eric Kitolano and Emil Breivik all among the goals in recent weeks. All three men can combine to ensure the Norwegians produce over 1.5 goals at 4/11 with bet365.
HJK Helsinki can also hold their own going forward with Bojan Radulovic and Topi Keskinen looking impressive. Both men can take advantage of Molde's defensive problems and produce over 0.5 goals on Wednesday at 13/10 with Unibet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Molde and HJK Helsinki have been unconvincing at the back and both teams could be tipped to score at 13/8 with bet365. The Norwegians have seen over 3.5 goals in their last two home matches and a repeat could be considered at 7/2 with Paddy Power, who is also offering 6/5 for over 2.5 goals.
Molde are expected to be dominant on Wednesday and could be backed in the -2 handicap market at 6/4 with bet365. They could also be tipped to score in both halves at 10/11 with BoyleSports.
This UEFA Champions League match between Molde and HJK Helsinki will be played on Aug 2, 2023 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best Molde vs HJK Helsinki prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
