Molde vs KuPS Kuopio Predictions

• Molde won six of their last seven home matches.
• Molde scored two or more goals in five of those seven fixtures.
• KuPS conceded two or more goals in three of their last five assignments.

Molde to make home advantage count

Molde take their first steps of what they hope will be a prolonged continental adventure this week when they hosts Finnish side KuPS in the Champions League 1^st qualifying round at the Aker Stadion.

After a dismal run of three defeats in four in the Eliteserien, there have been suggestions that Molde have had one eye on this fixture for several weeks, though manager Erling Moe will be confident that his players can rise to the occasion when it matters on Wednesday.

Molde have been formidable on their own patch this season, winning six out of seven assignments at home, while rattling home an eye-watering 22 goals in the process, and their ability to create and finish chances at the Aker Stadion should allow them to push past a KuPS team with little European pedigree and experience this week.

KuPS are currently second in the Finnish top flight after 10 rounds of games, though their 50% win record is an unimpressive return. The Finns shipped two or more goals in three of their last five matches domestically, and their penchant for conceding opportunities should prove fatal against a free-scoring Molde team.

With that considered the over 1.5 team goals Molde market looks a smart manoeuvre for Wednesday’s game at the prices quoted, while our correct score prediction backs the hosts to run out 3-1 winners.