Molde vs Galatasaray predictions ahead of this clash in Champions League qualifying on Wednesday night. Can the Turkish side get a positive result already in the first leg or will the hosts make the most of their home advantage? Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Significant terms – Service available to customers that have deposited and have a positive balance in the account | Country restrictions might apply | Check full T&C's of the service on William Hill website.. Geo location and live streaming rules apply. T&C's Apply. #Ad. 18+Only, begambleaware.org |
Match Live Wednesday, 23rd August at 8:00 pm In:
Molde vs Galatasaray Predictions
[wptb id="395321" not found ]Dueling Titans in the Champions League Playoff
Key Stats
– Galatasaray have secured five clean sheets in their last five matches across all competitions.
– Molde’s Ola Brynhildsen is their top scorer with seven goals this season, while Galatasaray’s Mauro Icardi has already netted twice.
Molde and Galatasaray are set to clash in the Champions League playoff round. With both teams hungry for a place in the prestigious group stages, this promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Recent European Endeavours
After ending KI Klaksvik’s Champions League aspirations, Molde now face a more formidable opponent: the reigning Turkish champions, Galatasaray. Molde’s journey saw them fight back from a first-leg deficit to progress, while Galatasaray cruised past Olimpija Ljubljana, netting four times across two matches.
 BetVictor 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 at odds 2.00+ within 7 days, no cashout. Get 6x £5 Free Bets, set events at odds 2.00+. 7 day bonus expiry. Debit Card / Apple Pay payments only. #AD T&C’s Apply. 18+ | BeGambleAware | #Ad | #Ad. 18+Only, begambleaware.org |
Molde’s last foray into the Champions League’s primary stage dates back to the 1999-2000 season. Their recent effort in the 2020-21 campaign saw them eliminated by Ferencvaros, courtesy of the away goals rule. On the home front, though their domestic form has waned, their unbeaten 11-game stretch at home, peppered with eight clean sheets, spells potential for a surprise against the Turks.
Galatasaray’s return to the Champions League was less authoritative, squeaking past Zalgiris before comfortably defeating Olimpija Ljubljana. Notably, their defensive prowess has been on full display, with five clean sheets in their last five outings. They’ll be hoping to grace the Champions League group stages once more, following their absence in the 2022-23 season.
Historically, this is the maiden competitive encounter between the two sides. Galatasaray’s previous outings against Norwegian opposition have been a mixed bag, with just one victory from four matches.
Squad News and Form Guide
Molde recently witnessed Eirik Haugan’s dismissal in their goalless draw against Valerenga. However, his European participation remains unaffected. Coach Erling Moe is likely to reinstate several first-team players, with the likes of Martin Linnes, Ola Brynhildsen, and Magnus Wolff Eikrem expected to feature prominently.
Conversely, Galatasaray’s Lucas Torreira will be sidelined due to suspension. The potential absence of Wilfried Zaha could be pivotal, but the likes of Kerem Akturkoglou, Baris Yilmaz, and Dries Mertens are ready to support the in-form Mauro Icardi.
Key Players to Watch
Molde boasts a talented lineup, with standouts such as Oliver Petersen and Emil Breivik, boasting impressive BettingTips4You Expert Ratings of 7.35 and 7.26 respectively. Ola Brynhildsen is the team’s top scorer, netting seven goals this season.
For Galatasaray, Sérgio Oliveira and Fernando Muslera have been shining, with ratings of 7.50 and 7.45. Mauro Icardi, with two goals this season, remains the focal point of their attack.
Predictions
1. Both Teams to Score
Rationale:
In the world of football, historical data often plays a pivotal role in predicting future performances, and in this case, the numbers seem to speak volumes.
Molde, the pride of Norway, have shown an undeniable knack for finding the back of the net, especially on their home turf. Their domestic performances shed light on this, as they’ve managed to score in their two most recent Eliteserien encounters with Sandefjord and Valerenga, despite the latter ending in a goalless stalemate. This goal-scoring trait isn’t just limited to their domestic affairs. Their Champions League journey saw them overturn a first-leg deficit against KI Klaksvik, and the scoring prowess of their top players, such as Ola Brynhildsen, is evident.
On the other hand, the Turkish champions Galatasaray, have also been on a prolific run, notching goals consistently, with their recent 2-0 triumph over Trabzonspor acting as testament. However, their defensive record isn’t immaculate. Their initial European encounter against Zalgiris saw them conceding twice.
Given the attacking potency of both sides and considering that this is a high-stakes Champions League qualifier, the pressure could potentially lead to defensive errors. Thus, the probability of both teams getting on the scoresheet seems quite plausible.
2. Correct Score Prediction: 2-1 in favour of Galatasaray
Rationale:
Molde have demonstrated resilience and determination, especially when faced with adversity, as seen against KI Klaksvik. This resilience is likely to see them scoring at the Aker Stadion.
However, Galatasaray’s recent form and their performances in European competitions cannot be ignored. Their 3-0 away triumph against Olimpija Ljubljana, as well as the depth and quality in their squad, like the prolific Mauro Icardi, indicate that they might have the edge. Their defensive solidity, underscored by five clean sheets in their last outings, means Molde might find it challenging to score multiple goals.
Therefore, a 2-1 win for Galatasaray appears to be a reasonable prediction, taking into account the blend of attacking talents and defensive strengths on display from both teams.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Mauro Icardi
Rationale:
The art of goal-scoring often lies in momentum and confidence. Enter Mauro Icardi. The Argentine forward has been in sublime form for Galatasaray, as evidenced by his recent strikes, including the crucial goal that sealed their spot in the playoff round against Olimpija Ljubljana.
Furthermore, Icardi’s name shines atop Galatasaray’s goal charts for the current Trendyol Süper Lig season, even though it’s still in its early stages. His ability to be in the right place at the right time, combined with his clinical finishing, makes him a prime candidate to find the net against Molde.
While Molde boasts several top players in their lineup, the sheer momentum and form that Icardi brings to this fixture makes him the prime pick for a goal, if not the first of the match.
[wptb id="395321" not found ]
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
| - 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 at odds 2.00+ within 7 days, no cashout. Get 6x £5 Free Bets, set events at odds 2.00+. 7 day bonus expiry. Debit Card / Apple Pay payments only. #AD T&C’s Apply. 18+ | BeGambleAware | #Ad |. 18+Only, begambleaware.org |  - Open Account Offer – Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. #Ad. 18+Only, begambleaware.org |  - #AD 18+ begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first sports bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. Visit Unibet.co.uk for full T&C's. |
 - New customers only, 18+. Min deposit £10. Place a £50 bet on any sport at 2.0+ to qualify for £25 in free bets and 10 Free Spins. Free Bets and Spins valid 7 days. £0.10 Free Spins. T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly. |  - New customers only. Register (excl. 13/04/24) with WELCOME50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. #Ad. 18+Only, begambleaware.org |  - 18+ New customers only. Opt in, and bet £10 on football markets (odds 2.00+). No cash out. Get 6x£5 football free bets at specified odds for set markets, which expire after 7 days. Offer valid from 12:00 UK Time on 25/08/2023. Card payments only. T&Cs Apply | begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly |
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
