Molde vs Shamrock Rovers Prediction & Tips
With each having one point after two rounds, Molde and Shamrock Rovers are trailing in UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) Group F, heightening the importance of these upcoming back-to-back meetings. Molde are on the brink of a fifth league title, 15 points clear at the top after 11 straight domestic wins, but need to improve in this European competition to advance from the group stage for a third successive time.
Facing Rovers could be a blessing, as Molde have a perfect record (G4) against teams from the Republic of Ireland in UEFA competitions. The Norwegians have also lost just two of their last seven home games in European competition (G4, E1), so they will be hoping their home form will give them a crucial advantage in this clash.
Already having picked up a point, Shamrock Rovers have already done better than in their only previous appearance in the group stage of European competition when they lost all six games, but they still expect more from this campaign. While they can pride themselves on being one of nine reigning national champions participating in this season’s UECL group stage, the Irish side are also one of three teams yet to score a goal. Still, the visitors are top of their domestic league after recording back-to-back wins, but the financial rewards of performing well in this competition mean the priority must be to start winning in this UECL.
However, strictly in the UECL, Stephen Bradley’s men come into this fixture on a four-match winless run (E1, P3), and it is hard to see them breaking that on the basis of their poor away record, winning just two of their last 12 away games in European competitions (E3, P7).
Players to watch: The last eight games in which Ola Brynhildsen has found the back of the net have resulted in wins for Molde, including a brace in European competition. For the visitors, Graham Burke scored his latest goal last weekend and assisted the opener for Rovers in their last European away win.
Key stat: Molde have failed to score before half-time in seven of their last nine UECL matches.
Molde – Shamrock Rovers FREE TIPS
OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.25
