Silkeborg vs Molde: Europa League Qualification Showdown
Silkeborg vs Molde Prediction: Molde is expected to draw 1-1 with Silkeborg in the second leg, advancing 4-2 on aggregate to the next round of Europa League qualification.
The second leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie between Silkeborg IF and Molde FK is set to take place at JYSK park in Silkeborg, Denmark on Thursday evening. With Molde holding a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, Silkeborg face an uphill battle to keep their European dreams alive.
Match Preview
Silkeborg enter this crucial home fixture needing to overturn a two-goal deficit after falling 3-1 in Norway last week. Despite matching Molde in shots during the first leg, the Danish side were undone by goals from Marcus Andre Kaasa, Magnus Wolff Eikrem, and Kristoffer Haugen.
Kent Nielsen’s men will take some confidence from scoring an away goal through Alexander Lind, but they’ll need a much-improved defensive performance to have any chance of progressing. Silkeborg’s recent form has been concerning, with back-to-back losses in their last two matches across all competitions.
Molde arrive in Denmark firmly in control of the tie but can’t afford complacency. Erling Moe’s side have struggled on their European travels recently, losing seven of their last nine away matches in continental competition. However, their 3-1 first leg victory puts them in pole position to advance to the third qualifying round.
Silkeborg vs Molde Lineups and Formations
Predicted Silkeborg Lineup (4-3-3): Rodin, Orazov, Sonne, Brink, Ganchas, Poulsen, M. Larsen, Adamsen, Lind, Andersen, N. Larsen.
Molde (4-2-3-1): Posiadala, Amundsen, Hagelskjaer, Kaasa, Lund, Eriksen, Eikrem, Breivik, Lovik, Stenevik, Daehli.
Injured and Unavailable Players
Silkeborg
- Alexander Madsen
- Callum McCowatt
- Fredrik Carlsen
- Pelle Mattsson
- Younes Bakiz
Molde
- Fredrik Gulbrandsen
- Veton Berisha
Doubtful:
Kristoffer Haugen (forced off in recent league match against Viking FK)
Key Players to Watch
Silkeborg:
- Alexander Lind: The forward scored in the first leg and will be crucial to Silkeborg’s hopes of a comeback.
- Oliver Sonne: The defender had a strong performance in the first match despite the loss.
Molde:
- Magnus Wolff Eikrem: The experienced attacker has been in fine form this season and scored in the first leg.
- Mats Møller Dæhli: The midfielder’s creativity could be key to unlocking Silkeborg’s defense.
Where to Watch Silkeborg vs Molde Live?
The match kicks off at 17:15 UTC on Thursday, August 1st. Here’s the live streaming and TV schedule for some countries:
- Denmark: Viaplay Denmark, TV3+ HD
- Norway: VG+
- Faroe Islands: TV3+ HD
For other countries, check with local broadcasters or streaming platforms for availability.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
This will be only the second ever meeting between these two sides, with Molde winning the first leg 3-1 last week.
Silkeborg’s last 5 matches:
- Lost 2-1 vs Aalborg (Danish Superliga)
- Lost 3-1 vs Molde (Europa League)
- Won 1-0 vs Sønderjyske (Danish Superliga)
- Lost 1-4 vs Vendsyssel FF (Friendly)
- Won 3-1 vs Zwolle (Friendly)
Molde’s last 5 matches:
- Lost 1-0 vs Viking (Eliteserien)
- Won 3-1 vs Silkeborg (Europa League)
- Lost 2-3 vs KFUM Oslo (Eliteserien)
- Drew 0-0 vs Fredrikstad (Eliteserien)
- Won 3-0 vs Lillestrøm (Eliteserien)
Current Standings
In their domestic leagues:
Silkeborg: 7th in Danish Superliga (1 win, 1 loss from 2 matches)
Molde: 4th in Norwegian Eliteserien (9 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses from 19 matches)
Correct Score Prediction: Who Will Win?
While Silkeborg will have home advantage, Molde’s two-goal cushion and stronger overall squad make them favorites to progress. The Danish side will need to push forward in search of goals, which could leave them vulnerable to Molde’s counter-attacks.
Silkeborg vs Molde Prediction: Silkeborg 1-1 Molde (Molde to advance 4-2 on aggregate)
Silkeborg face a monumental task to overturn the deficit, and Molde’s experience in European competition should see them through to the next round. However, the home side are likely to put up a fight and could manage a draw on the night, falling short in the tie overall.
As the teams prepare for this crucial European encounter, all eyes will be on JYSK park to see if Silkeborg can produce a memorable comeback or if Molde will secure their place in the next round of Europa League qualification.
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