After earning a draw in Turkey, Molde return to Aker Stadium for the second leg of their UEFA Conference League third round qualifier against Trabzonspor. Another closely fought encounter is expected but the Norwegians are tipped to have too much for Trabzonspor, who have a poor record away from home.
Molde showed their character in the first leg as they came from behind three times to earn a 3-3 draw in Turkey. Ola Brynhildsen netted a brace while Etzaz Hussain got the final equaliser five minutes from time.
Erling Moe’s men have been in good form lately, suffering just one defeat in their last eight matches across all competitions. They have been particularly impressive at home, winning their last six matches at Aker Stadium, including a 5-4 victory over Haugesund last time out in the Norwegian league.
Molde often adopt an attacking style of play and have scored 10 goals in their last three matches across all competitions. The problem is they are often left exposed at the back and have conceded eight goals in that run.
Trabzonspor will be disappointed not to have seen out the win in the first leg. They took the lead three times through Anthony Nwakaeme, Victor Hugo and Djaniny but were constantly pegged back by the Norwegians.
The result means Trabzonspor have now extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches having last tasted defeat in March. The problem for the Turks is a poor record on the road where they are winless in their last six away matches.
Like Molde, Trabzonspor like to play on the front foot and have scored five goals in their last two matches. They have however been poor in defence where they have conceded four goals in that run.
How the bookies view it
Following the draw in the first leg, the bookies are split on this one with Vbet offering 11/8 for a Molde victory while also backing Trabzonspor at 17/10 to win. A draw is set at odds of 11/5 by the same firm.
Trabzonspor are likely to put up a solid fight but given Molde’s record at home, I am tempted to lean towards a home win.
Head to head
Last week’s clash was the first ever meeting between Molde and Trabzonspor.
Players to watch
Midfielder Ola Brynhildsen netted a brace for Molde in the first leg while striker Ohi Omoijuanfo bagged a hat-trick against Haugesund. The Norwegians have scored in their last 20 home matches and with both men expected to feature on Thursday, that run is likely to continue at 19/100 with Vbet.
Trabzonspor can also hold their own in attack with strikers Anthony Nwakaeme and Djaniny both on target in the first leg. The Turks have scored in nine of their last 10 matches and both men can ensure that run continues at 2/9 with Vbet.
Anything else catch the eye?
There were over 5.5 goals in the first leg and a similar outcome is priced at 137/25 by betway. Over 4.5 goals is valued at 16/5 by Vbet, over 3.5 goals is set at odds of 6/4 with the same firm, who are also offering 3/5 on over 2.5 goals.
Molde have opened the scoring in their last six home matches and could be backed to score first at 4/5 with Vbet. Both teams scored in the second half in the first leg and a repeat is valued at 39/25 by betway.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Molde and Trabzonspor will be played on Aug 12, 2021 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Molde vs Trabzonspor prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
