The third round in the UEFA Europa League Qualifiers takes place this week with Thursday playing host to an intriguing fixture between Norwegian outfit Molde FK and Cercle Brugge of Belgium. Both sides looking to book their place in the next round.
Believe it or not, this is the first time either side is going to come up against one another in their histories. In fact, this game will be the first time Cercle Brugge have travelled to Norway for a game having never faced a Norwegian team.
Molde on the other hand have a rich history against Belgian opposition - especially in recent years. In fact in the last two seasons they have played Belgian clubs in the Europa League having played Club Brugge in 23/24 and Gent in 22/23. They have also faced St Liege back in 2015/16. Overall they have a record of 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses against teams from Belgium though - something they will look to improve on in this fixture.
Luckily for both sides they have no injury or absence concerns heading into this game. That being said they are both expected to start the same team from their previous matches.
Molde FK - Albert Posiadała, Casper Øyvann, Anders Hagelskjær, Valdemar Lund, Halldor Stenevik, Markus Kaasa, Mats Møller Dæhli, Emil Breivik, Mathias Fjørtoft Løvik, Kristian Eriksen, Magnus Wolff Eikrem
Cercle Brugge - Warleson, Christiaan Ravych, Boris Popović, Edgaras Utkus, Senna Miangue, Lawrence Agyekum, Hannes Van der Bruggen, Thibo Somers, Kazeem Olaigbe, Felipe Augusto, Ahoueke Steeve Kévin Denkey
Molde’s midfield man Markus Kaasa hasn’t started many games this season but when he has he has certainly been a provider for the Norwegian side. In fact he started in the last two Europa League Qualifying fixtures of the previous leg against Silkeborg IF and managed two goals as well.
Expect him to be one of the main danger men for Molde in this game.
Neither side has been on unbelievable form as of late with both teams having their individual struggles. However, Molde are certainly the better side of the two and with the amount of games they have played recently - with their season being in full swing already - we would expect them to come away with the win. Even if only just.
With odds of 5/2 our team of professional tipping experts are backing Molde FK To Win and Both Teams To Score in this fixture. £10 potentially returning up to £35 making it our best value tip for this fixture.
This game is set to get underway on Thursday 8th August 2024 at 18:00. However, unfortunately, the game is not available to watch in the UK.
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