Home / Match Previews / Europa League: Molde vs Celtic preview

Europa League: Molde vs Celtic preview

Kick off: 22.10.2015 @21:05

Venue: Aker Stadion

Head to head record

No past meetings

Molde vs Celtic prediction

Norwegian side are hoping to record their second win in this year’s edition of Europa League in a game which will mark the official return of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is taking charge of his second spell at the boyhood club.

Solskjaer’s return a boost for Molde

Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskajer was promoted the new manager of Molde only a day before Celtic game in the Europa League. Solskjaer returned for his second spell in the club he had previously lead to the title in Norwegian Tippeligaen and two Cup titles before joining Cardiff in 2014. Current champions of Norway have had an indifferent start to their domestic season and are also surprise leaders of their group A of the Europa League. Molde have managed to beat Fenerbahce away (1-3) in the opening game of the competition, but were held to a 1-1 draw against Ajax at their Aker Stadion last time around. Their domestic record has not been that impressive as Molde currently occupy the seventh place in the standings after 27 rounds. It is worth mentioning that Molde crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb, the elimination which resulted in the sacking of manager Tor Ole Skullund. Molde however have a fine home record behind them, as they are unbeaten in the last eight games and will certainly look to keep the good run going.

Solskjaer will have virtually full squad to select from with Joshua Gatt being the only absentee due to his long-term injury.

Celtic is available at 4/1 special price to win and both teams to score.

Unbeaten Celtic

The Bhoys are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions and the record of two draws in this season’s edition of Europa League was enough to put them in the third spot at Group A. Celtic were unlucky in the opening round of the competition away at Ajax when they failed to keep their 2-1 advantage, as they conceded an equalizer in the final stages of the game. Similar scenario was seen in their second game against Turkish side Fenerbahce when the Bhoys took a two-goal advantage through Griffiths and Commons, but have ultimately failed to hold on to their lead as the visitors earned a point thanks to Fernandao’s double. Ronny Deila’s troops look much sharper in domestic championship as they sit top of the Scottish Premiership with eight wins, two draws and only one loss. What is more, Celtic have recorded only two defeats this season, one on the road at Pittodrie to Motherwell (1-0) and another one in the Champions League to Malmo. Deila is up for an emotional return to his homeland and he will be cautious of the difficult task when he takes on Solskjaer’s Molde on Thursday night, despite the fact he will most likely have Jozo Simunovic and Charlie Mulgrew back in action.

The Norweigan will have his full squad on deck as James Forrest, Stefan Johansen and Stuart Armstrong have all been cleared to feature having shook off their injury problems.

Molde vs Celtic betting tip

Both teams are coming off from back-to-back wins in their respective leagues and will be looking to make it three in a row when they clash on Thursday night. Molde will be keen on making an impact at Solskjaer’s debut, while the visiting team will have plenty to prove after their unlucky results in two previous rounds of the Europa League. I expect to see an openly contested affair with goals on both sides of the field.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals

Odds: 1.86 (43/50) @10Bet

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Kick off: 22.10.2015 @21:05 Venue: Sucru Saracoglu Stadium Head to head record No past meetings ...

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