Molde vs Silkeborg Prediction: Hosts to down Danes in first leg

Molde and Silkeborg meet in the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie at the Aker Stadion on Thursday (18:00), before doing it all again in next week's second leg in Denmark.

Ahead of Thursday's game in Norway, you can get up to speed on all the latest team news and match odds by checking out my Molde vs Silkeborg prediction below.

Football Odds

Team News

Molde could make changes against Silkeborg after Saturday's embarrassing home defeat to Eliteserien newbies KFUM Oslo.

Halldor Stenevik and Kristoffer Haugen were thrown on in the second half as the 2023 runners-up attempted to mount a comeback from a 1-2 scoreline at half-time, but the visitors ended up 3-2 victors to mark Molde's first defeat since May 20.

Magnus Eikrem should keep his place in the starting XI after scoring his side's final goal on the weekend - his eighth of the league campaign - and he is set to be joined in the line-up by fellow Eliteserien top scorer Kristian Eriksen, who missed Saturday's loss through suspension.

Silkeborg were made to work by Sonderjyske in their Superliga opener on Sunday, but Kent Nielsen's side eventually found the breakthrough in the 77th minute through Pelle Mattsson and held on to secure a 1-0 victory.

Last season's top scorer Alexander Lind, who struck 10 times in the 2023/24 Superliga, looks likely to get the nod up front again, and the 22-year-old could be joined by Tonni Adamsen and Anders Klynge, who both came off the bench against Sonderjyske.

Molde vs Silkeborg Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main Molde vs Silkeborg page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.

Molde are 4/9 to win Thursday's home leg, giving them an implied win probability of 69.2%, while Silkeborg are 5/1, or a 16.7% chance.

The draw can be backed at 3/1, both teams to score at 4/5, and over 2.5 goals at 4/6.

Half-Time/Full-Time - Molde/Molde @ 6/5

Losing to KFUM Oslo wasn't ideal preparation for Molde heading into Thursday's game, but they've had four days to reflect on that defeat and should now be fully focused on setting things right against Silkeborg.

It may well be the kick up the backside Molde required after also being held to a goalless draw at Fredrikstad the week prior, and they will be desperate to get back to winning ways in front of their fans.

The five-time Norwegian league champions should certainly be sharper than their next opponents, having played 16 Eliteserien matches since starting the new season on April 1, as well as four cup games.

Silkeborg's Superliga season only began on Sunday, and that win against Sonderjyske was their first competitive match since May 26, so the Danes may need a bit of time to get up to full speed.

Molde should be going at Silkeborg from the off on Thursday to try and take a lead with them to Denmark for next week's second leg, and I think they will be raring to go after last weekend's disappointment.

Molde to win @ over 2.5 total goals @ 23/20

Molde's matches this season certainly haven't lacked goals.

Erling Moe's side are averaging two goals scored and 1.19 goals conceded per game in the Eliteserien this term - 3.19 goals per game overall. The numbers rise for home outings, with 2.22 goals scored and 1.56 conceded averaging out at 3.78.

Five of their league wins this season have seen at least three goals scored, while 11 of their 16 Eliteserien contests have ended in over 2.5 goals.

Offers

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