Molde FK vs Tromsø IL Prediction: Both sides will see the net

Molde and Tromsø will strive to secure one of the continental spots in the league as they face their upcoming match at the Aker Stadion on Monday. Despite their historical success, it appears that Molde are enduring a challenging season, making their quest for continental qualification all the more significant. Previews, possible starting 11, expert tips, and odds are provided below.

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Molde seem to have regained their winning form, notably with a 5-1 victory over Häcken in their last UEFA game, following back-to-back losses in the league against Brann and Bodo/Glimt. Currently, they occupy the 5th position on the league table with 44 points from 25 games. They have scored 55 goals while conceding 30.

Their best chance of securing European competition qualification may come through winning the Cup since they've reached the finals. However, this will be a challenging task as they are set to face the formidable team Bodo/Glimt, the best team in the league.

Molde are also actively participating in the Europa League, where they currently hold the 3rd position in group H, with a good chance of at least advancing to the Europa Conference League knockout phase.

However, Molde will face some significant challenges, as their top goalkeeper, Jacob Karlstrøm, is sidelined with an injury, and Oliver Petersen is likely to replace him. Additionally, Martin Linnes, an important right full-back/wing-back, is ruled out for the rest of the Eliteserien due to an ankle injury. They may also be without Erling Knudtzon, who has been dealing with an injury and could be sidelined for a few more games.

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Tromsø have shown remarkable improvement since returning to Eliteserien. After finishing 12th and 7th in the previous two seasons, this year, they are in contention for a top-three finish and potentially even a shot at the title. While winning the title may be a bit unrealistic, as they are seven points behind the league leaders, Bodo/Glimt, with only five rounds left, they are tied with Brann for third place, and Viking, in second place, is only one point ahead. This positions them well for a potential European qualification spot, especially when considering their upcoming schedule.

Injuries have affected Tromsø, and they are likely to be without Lasse Nilsen, Miika Koskela, and Oskar Aron Opsahl. However, defender Christophe Psyche, who served a one-game suspension, is available.

If Tromsø secures a European spot, it would be their first appearance since the 2014/15 season when they were eliminated in the 2nd qualifying round of the Europa League by Vikingur. This represents a significant achievement for the club.

Molde - Oliver Petersen, Martin Bjørnbak, Casper Oyvann, Anders Hagelskjaer, M. Fjörtoft Lövik, Kristian Eriksen, Martin Ellingsen, Emil Breivik, Kristoffer Haugen, Magnus Eikrem, Fredrik Gulbrandsen.

Tromsø - Jakob Haugaard, Jostein Gundersen, Anders Jenssen, Kent-Are Antonsen, Niklas Vesterlund, Sakarias Opsahl, Ruben Jenssen, J. Napoleon Romsaas, E. Hadji Malick, Vegard Erlien, Mai Traore.

The statistics suggest that this match could be an exciting and evenly-matched encounter. Molde, despite their 5th place in the league, boast the second-best offense in the competition, having scored 55 goals in 25 rounds, averaging 2.5 goals per game. Their attacking prowess has resulted in 17 games with three or more goals in 25 rounds, accounting for 68% of their Eliteserien matches.

Tromsø have also been involved in high-scoring games recently, with over 2.5 goals scored in six of their last seven matches. Furthermore, in five of those games, both teams found the back of the net.

With both teams displaying attacking strength and the possibility of a first-half draw, this match has the potential to feature goals from both sides and offer an exciting spectacle for fans.

• BTTS for 1.75 odds
• Over 2.5 for 1.67 odds
• HT: X for 2.40 odds