Two teams still seeking their first win in the Europa Conference League clash on Thursday as Molde host Shamrock Rovers in a matchday three fixture. While both sides have found things difficult in the competition, Molde have looked slightly better than the visitors and should have the upper hand at home.
Molde have not found things easy in the Europa Conference League and are still without a win after two matches. They played out a 0-0 draw with Gent in their opening fixture before suffering a 3-2 defeat at Djurgarden last time out in the competition.
The good news for Molde is that there is still some time to turn things around and they can build on their solid domestic form. Erling Moe’s men are on the verge of winning their domestic league as they sit 15 points clear at the top of the standings having won their last two matches, including a 1-0 victory at Tromso last Saturday.
Molde will also be relying on a solid record at Aker Stadion where they have lost just once in their last 10 matches across all competitions, claiming seven wins in that run. They also maintain a solid defensive record in front of their fans and have kept clean sheets in their last two matches.
Shamrock Rovers are also dominating on the domestic scene as they sit four points clear at the top of the Premier Division. They head into Thursday’s clash off the back of a 3-1 victory over Sligo Rovers last Saturday.
The Irish side have made a similar start to Molde in the Conference League having failed to win any of their two matches. However, unlike the Norwegians, they have failed to register a goal in the competition, playing out a 0-0 home draw with Djurgarden in the opening fixture before suffering a 3-0 defeat at Gent last time out.
The result at Gent highlights a problem for Shamrock Rovers, who have claimed just one win from five matches away from home. Stephen Bradley’s men have been beaten three times in that run and have also failed to score in three matches as well.
How the bookies view it
Molde are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 3/10 with bet365. A victory for Shamrock Rovers is valued at 10/1 by Betfred while a draw is set at odds of 4/1 by BoyleSports.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Molde and Shamrock Rovers.
Players to watch
Ola Brynhildsen often features in attack for Molde and will be the one to watch on Thursday. The attacker has six goals in his last eight matches for the Norwegian side and is priced at 6/4 by Paddy Power to get on the score sheet.
Molde usually keep things tight at the back in front of their fans with clean sheets in their last two home matches. Given Shamrock Rovers’ goalscoring problems on the road, centre-backs Martin Bjornbak and Birk Risa will be targeting another clean sheet 17/20 with William Hill.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Molde’s defensive record at home and with Shamrock Rovers struggling for goals on the road, a win to nil could be on the cards for the hosts at 11/10 with BetVictor. The Norwegians are expected to be comfortable here which means a -1 handicap could also be considered 5/6 with William Hill.
Molde have scored in both halves in two of their last three home matches and could be set for a repeat at evens with bet365.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Molde and Shamrock Rovers will be played on Oct 6, 2022 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Molde vs Shamrock Rovers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
