Dundalk vs Molde
22 October 1755hrs
Football – Europe – Europa League
Pick Both teams to score
Bookmaker William Hill
Odds: 13/10 odds taken 2000 GMT, Tuesday 20 October
It’s a huge achievement for Dundalk to reach this stage but they will be looking to make home advantage count when taking on Norwegian champions Molde on Thursday.
Table of Contents
Dundalk Preview – Are Dundalk set for just a second win in European group stage competition?
It may be just round of group stage European football for the 2020/21 campaign but there has been plenty happening for Dundalk already this season. Eliminated from Champions League qualification in the first round in disappointing fashion meant the end for Vinny Perth and his time as head coach. The defeat was the final straw for the board. They have watched the club slip well behind Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians in their efforts to win a third successive Premier Division title in Ireland.
Filippo Giovagnoli was the surprise choice to replace him but the Italian has had an instant impact in his time as interim boss. Leading the club to what is just their second ever appearance in group stage football.
Molde Preview – Can Molde get over their Champions League disappointment and strengthen their qualification hopes?
It was so near yet so far for Molde and their attempts to play Champions League football for the first time in their history. A favourable playoff tie against Ferencvaros gave them real hope they could do that. However, they could not find the goal they needed in the away tie to see them through after a 3-3 draw at home. Erling Moe has done a brilliant job as he approaches his two year anniversary in charge but that will be a real disappointment.
Having won just their fourth Norwegian title in 2019, they are going to have to wait for another chance to reach the Champions League as they sit well behind Bodo/Glimt in this season’s championship.
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Molde will look to get over that Champions League elimination by attempting to repeat their efforts of five years ago in this competition. Drawn in a group of Ajax, Celtic and Fenerbahce on that occasion, they made it through to the knockout phase. They lost out to eventual winners Sevilla.
That sort of achievement may seem some way off just now but it’s a group they will feel they can get out of with little between themselves and Rapid Vienna as the two most likely qualifiers to join Arsenal.
Dundalk vs Molde Betting Advice
With the Gunners big favourites to top this group the games between the other three teams are likely to be crucial in determining who makes it through. Molde are fancied to get their campaign off to a winning start here but Dundalk will not make it easy for them. The visitors have also won only two of their last nine away games in all competitions.
Key Facts – Dundalk vs Molde Betting Tip
- Dundalk last played in the group stage of the Europa League in 2016/17, finishing bottom of their section
- Molde were knocked out on away goals by Ferencvaros in the playoff round of Champions League qualification
- Arsenal are the big favourites to progress from this section with Rapid Vienna also in the group
Ironically, Molde got the better of Dundalk’s Champions League conquerors when defeating Slovenian outfit Celje. That gives us something of a form line. And a key reason why the Norwegians are the price they are.
There is a vulnerability about Molde’s away form, however. As such, I’m happy to back Dundalk on the double chance market where a home win or draw would see a return.
Best Betting Odds for Dundalk vs Molde
Dundalk to win: 9/2 Betfair
Draw: 17/5 at Betfair
Molde: 11/20 at Betfair
