Molde vs Club Brugge KV prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2024-03-06 17:45.
Playing in only their second last 16 tie of a European competition, Molde will target a positive start to their UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) first leg against Club Brugge. After finishing third in their group in this year’s Europa League, the Norwegians have already navigated a UECL knockout round play-off, but with their domestic engagements ending in December, on-field action remains scarce having played only six games this calendar year (W4, D1, L1).
The hosts did at least end their domestic season on a high by winning the Norwegian Cup in December, and with an unbeaten record at home against Belgian sides in tow (W1, D2), they ought to feel a positive first leg awaits despite the fact both draws in that sequence were goalless. Another dull affair here seems unlikely though, as Molde have averaged more than two goals per game across their last nine European home matches.
Brugge qualified for this round automatically after topping UECL group D with an unbeaten record (W5, D1). Having spent each of their last five seasons in the Champions League group stages, the visitors have enough continental experience and pedigree, and they also have the advantage of playing competitive football at the moment, although a single win across four recent games (D1, L2) is hardly impressive form.
The visitors don’t have a great away record against Norwegian clubs (W2, D2, L2), but have at least been formidable in this competition of late. Brugge have won their last five UECL away games in style, having scored 16 goals in those matches, with three coming by at least a two-goal margin.
Players to watch: Fredrik Gulbrandsen could be looking to strike early for Molde, having netted five of his last six goals in UEFA competitions before the 20th minute. Andreas Skov Olsen scored Brugge’s last competitive goal in a 3-0 domestic win over Genk and tends to have an impact later in the game, with his last four UEFA goals arriving in the second half.
Hot stat: Ten of Brugge’s last 14 away UECL goals have come during the second half.