Molde vs Galatasaray Prediction, Tips & Odds – Aug. 23, 2023
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Molde vs Galatasaray Prediction 23.08.2023. In the first match of the last round of Champions League qualifiers, Molde will host Galatasaray. The game is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:00 PM at Aker Stadium.
Molde reached the fourth stage of the competition by eliminating Olimpija from Ljubljana, while the visiting team secured their spot in the knockout phase by defeating Klaksvik.
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Molde vs Galatasaray Odds
Molde vs Galatasaray 1×2: 2.82⁄3.54⁄2.39
Total goals over/under (2.5): 1.81⁄2.00
Double chance 1x/12/x2: 1.58⁄1.30⁄1.43
Both teams to score YES/NO: 1.64⁄2.19
Molde Team News
In their last competitive match, Molde played a goalless draw at home against Valerenga. Despite statistically being the better team in this duel, they failed to secure a victory, and they ended the game with a player less on the field due to a red card in injury time.
After nineteen rounds played in the Norwegian Eliteserien league, Molde holds the fourth position on the table with 34 points earned, which is ten less than the league leader, Bodo/Glimt. In their last five matches in all competitions, they achieved two wins, and two draws, and suffered one defeat.
During the weekend’s goalless stalemate with Valerenga, Molde lost center-back Eirik Haugan to two bookable offenses as the 25-year-old was sent off deep into injury time for dissent. However, this red card does not impact his participation in European competitions.
No fitness concerns have arisen from Molde’s last two contests. Nevertheless, coach Erling Moe did not unexpectedly alter the lineup during the weekend following a grueling 120 minutes against KI Klaksvik.
Extra-time hero Martin Linnes was among those on the bench. The right-wing back is expected to return to his usual spot in the host’s 3-5-2 formation this week, the same goes for Ola Brynhildsen and Magnus Wolff Eikrem in the attack.
Galatasaray Team News
In their last competitive match, Galatasaray defeated Trabzonspor 2-0 at home in the second round of the Turkish Super Lig. They took the lead in the 23rd minute when Kerem Akturkoglu assisted Maur Icardi, who found the back of the net. They doubled their advantage in injury time with another goal from the Argentine player, and this time, the assist came from Kaan Ayhan.
In the first round, they played a 0-0 draw with Kayserispor away, while in the Champions League qualifiers, they first eliminated Zalgiris and then Olimpija. During four friendly matches in the preparatory period, they recorded one win, and one draw, and suffered two losses.
Due to a direct red card in the second leg against Olimpija, former Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira will serve a suspension on Wednesday night, opening the door for Kerem Demirbay or Sergio Oliveira to enter the field. Speaking of former Premier League players, Wilfried Zaha is doubtful for the first leg due to a foot injury sustained in last week’s European match, which caused him to miss the victory over Trabzonspor. Furthermore, center-back Emin Bayram was also forced to leave the field in the final 12 minutes of that encounter.
Considering Zaha’s potential unavailability, an unchanged supporting cast consisting of Kerem Akturkoglu, Baris Yilmaz, and Dries Mertens should start behind the in-form Icardi, who is currently keeping Cedric Bakambu on the sidelines.
Molde vs Galatasaray H2H
Interestingly, these two teams have never played an official match against each other.
Injuries and suspensions
Molde: –
Galatasaray: Lucas Torrieira, Wilfried Zaha, Emin Bayram
Expected Lineups
Molde (3-5-2): Karlstrom; Bjornbak, Ellingsen, Haugan; Linnes, Mannsverk, Breivik, Eriksen, Haugen; Eikrem, Brynhildsen
Galatasaray (4-2-3-1): Muslera; Boey, Nelsson, Ayhan, Angelino; Kutlu, Oliveira; Yilmaz, Mertens, Akturkoglu; Icardi
Molde vs Galatasaray Prediction
According to bookmakers’ estimations, Galatasaray is a slight favorite in this encounter due to a stronger squad on paper and better form. Therefore, anything other than an away victory would be a surprise. On the other hand, Molde struggled significantly to eliminate their previous opponent, thus their chances are much slimmer now. Consequently, we predict a victory for the visitors and expect at least two goals scored throughout the match, given the anticipated open style of play.
Kick-off Time: Wednesday, 23.08.2023, 9:00 PM Local Time (GMT 0), 21:00 CET
Prediction: Galatasaray to win & total Over 1.5 – Yes
Odds (when tipped): 2.90
Sportsbook: 22bet