Molde vs TSG Hoffenheim Predictions

• Molde have not played a competitive match in nearly two months.
• The Norwegians had the worst goal difference of any side that advanced through to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
• Hoffenheim took seven points from their three away matches during the group stage.

Hoffenheim to catch Molde cold

Molde have never advanced beyond the last 32 of the Europa League and their task has been made harder this year, as they have not played a competitive match for nearly two months.

Erling Moe’s side will also not have home advantage on their side during this first leg, as lockdown restrictions in Norway mean Thursday’s game is being played at Estadio de la Ceramica in Spain.

The Norwegians also rather limped through the group stage, as they had the worst goal difference of all the sides that qualified for the round of 32.

By contrast, Hoffenheim were unbeaten during the group stage, winning five of their six games, including registering victories away at both Gent and Slovan Liberec.

The Germans have seen their form dip since the turn of the year, but a 2-2 draw at Borussia Dortmund last time out shows they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Sebastian Hoeness has also seen his side collect more Bundesliga points on the road than on home soil this season and given they will be facing Molde on neutral territory on Thursday, we are predicting more away success for the German club.

Indeed, are prediction is for Hoffenheim to win 2-0, which would put them in control of the tie ahead of next week’s return fixture at the Rhein Neckar Arena.