Molde vs Shamrock Rovers Predictions

• Molde have changed coach since the League phase when they struggled through in 23rd place
• The Norwegian champions have won four of their last five home games in the competition
• Shamrock Rovers have lost their pacy front two since their successful League phase run

Molde may prove too strong for League Of Ireland club

Molde look like justifying their favouritism for Thursday’s Europa Conference League knockout phase playoff first leg against Shamrock Rovers at Aker Stadion. The Norwegian champions have made a few changes since they scraped through to this stage in 23rd place after a dramatic 4-3 home win over Mlada Boleslav on the decisive matchday six.

Head coach Erling Moe has left for Turkey and been replaced by experienced ex-Norway, Rosenborg and BK Hacken coach Per-Mathias Hogmo. And they have done some shrewd January transfer business too by snapping up Nigeria Under-20 midfielder Daniel Daga, who was also of interest to AC Milan.

Daga scored Molde’s goal in their 1-0 friendly win over Hammarby in Malaga that serves as the club’s final preparation game for the return to European competition. They have not played competitively since December while Rovers have at least got their competitive juices flowing with some Leinster Cup action of late.

Key losses for Rovers boss to cover

Stephen Bradley is remoulding the midfield and forward line of his side after losing Markus Poom from the engine room and the two pacy attackers that always gave them half a chance in the European games before Christmas. Johnny Kenny has returned to Celtic while Neil Farrugia has joined Barnsley.

There are concerns in Dublin that Rovers might lack the threat they carried, particularly in away European games, without that trio. This clash could be a testing one for Bradley’s side because Molde have won four of their last five home games in the competition.

Back the hosts to win to nil with a 2-0 correct score play also looking tempting. Molde beat Rovers 3-0 at home when they met in 2022 but that was when both clubs were still in season and this match has a few more uncertainties about it.