Molde FK - Legia Warsaw predictions and free betting tips [15/02/2024]

Norway is represented in the UEFA Conference League playoffs by two clubs: "Molde" and "Bodø/Glimt". In this piece, we’ll delve into "Molde", who will be hosting "Legia" from Warsaw. It’s crucial to remember that the Polish championship operates on an autumn-spring system, while Scandinavian championships invert this due to natural conditions; hence, for "Molde", the season begins with the UEFA Conference League playoffs.

Molde

In the upcoming season, "Molde" will attempt to qualify for the Europa League once again, thanks to their victory over "Bodø/Glimt" in the Norwegian Cup finals.

As for their current international season, Erling Mo's Norwegian team narrowly missed a chance at a Champions League group stage berth, failing to outplay Turkish "Galatasaray" in the playoff round. Regardless, reaching the Europa League is a tremendous achievement for a Norwegian club.

"Molde" encountered issues primarily with "Karabakh", who became their direct competitor in the fight for the Europa League playoffs. Unfortunately, a loss and a draw against the Azerbaijanis did not benefit Erling Mo's squad, and taking even a point against "Bayer 04" is a sensation. Against "Häcken", the Norwegians looked quite confident and landed in the last 32 of the Conference League

"Molde" is a rather unremarkable squad competing in the Europa League. The Norwegian club has recruited new members; however, these changes have been local. Midfielder Mats Moller Daeli, who moved from "Nuremberg", and Valdemar Lund from "Copenhagen", are anticipated to make significant contributions in the game against "Legia". The squad contains a strong core, and minor changes tend to be beneficial. Against "Legia", they must display skilful defending and offensive plays, opting for coordinated actions rather than relying on a superstar forward.

Legia

Poland's capital club, "Legia", started the Conference League with three qualification rounds, all high in goal count. In the group stage, the team began to approach games more cautiously, completing the qualifying stage rife with goals conceded and scored.

In the championship, "Legia" once again faces competition for the top spot, and at the moment, they are outside the European zone of the Polish Premier League. Indeed, current European matches are essential for Costa Runjaica's team, as well as securing a position for the future tournaments.

"Legia" has quite a balanced squad, where everyone contributes equally. Ernest Muchi moved to "Besiktas", but all other key players remain in the team. Pavel Vsholek is impeccable, his performance as a right back significantly impacts games. Josue started the season strongly, got injured, and is now back to scoring again. Forwarding position is generally occupied by Tomas Pekhart, whereas Blaz Kramer was tried out in the last tour of the championship against "Ruh". "Legia" has a well-synergized formation, which will undoubtedly pressurize "Molde", so there's no doubt that Costa Runjaica's team has a chance of winning in Norway.

Match prediction: Molde - Legia

Don't bank on a high score since this is Molde's first official match post the break, and they need to adapt. Likewise, Legia will play it safe; hence, my bet is total under 2.5 goals scored.