Molde (Nor) vs Klaksvik (Fai) prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-08-14 17:00.
A potentially crucial result got away from Molde in last weekās first leg of this UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualifier against KlaksvĆkar ĆtrĆ³ttarfelag (KI) as they squandered a 1-0 lead to suffer a 2-1 defeat. Theyāll now need to dig deep if they want to keep alive their hopes of a first UCL group stage appearance since 1999/2000, but just two wins from their last five competitive matches suggests recent form isnāt on the side of the Norwegian champions (D1, L2).
Molde do have a pretty impressive home record in this competition that manager Erling Moe will point to, with his club having not tasted a UCL loss on home soil in seven matches (W4, D3). They scored 2+ goals in each of the last five matches in that run, which is perhaps a good omen for the task ahead. The most recent contest in that sequence was a 2-0 victory against HJK Helsinki, the same scoreline that they also beat KI in their one and only previous home H2H meeting back in August 2003.
KIās success last week extended their unbeaten competitive run to 16 matches (W14, D2), but that streak was ended this past weekend back in domestic action by VĆkingur, who sealed a shock 2-1 win. It was a much-changed XI for that game by manager Magne Hoseth, suggesting the visitors have all eyes on finishing the job in this tie.
Thatās despite the fact the Faroese side are already assured of becoming the first team from the country to reach the group stage in one of Europe's three continental tournaments. Yet, Hosethās knowledge of his opponents could prove key in helping them make this piece of history in Europeās premium competition, as from his playing days, the 42-year-old holds the record of being Moldeās highest top-flight goalscorer (84).
Key battle: It was a busy night for Molde defender Martin Linnes last week who picked up an assist and yellow card in the first leg, before netting his sideās second in their 2-2 domestic draw at the weekend. Potentially on a high, he will be hoping to keep KI attacker Ćrni Frederiksberg quiet, given he has grabbed a brace in three of his last four UCL appearances.
Hot streak: Each of Moldeās last six competitive goals arrived after half-time.