Molde FK vs Strømsgodset IF Prediction: Both sides will score

Molde will kick off their 2024/25 Norway Eliteserien campaign by hosting Strømsgodset at the Aker Stadion on Monday. Below are previews, predicted starting lineups, expert betting tips, and odds.

Molde enjoyed a relatively successful campaign last season, despite finishing 5th in the league standings. Their highlight came in the form of clinching the league cup when they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the final of the NM Cup. Additionally, Molde's European journey saw them bow out to Club Brugge with a 4-2 aggregate loss in the knockout phase of the Conference League.

In their recent performances, Molde has shown promise by losing just one game in their last seven outings. This positive run of form bodes well for their aspirations as they aim to kick off the new season strongly and improve upon their previous league finish.

Stromsgodset concluded the previous season on a positive note, finishing 7th in the table after a commendable improvement in their form, particularly towards the end of the campaign. However, their preparations for the upcoming season have hit a stumbling block as they have struggled in their recent friendly matches.

Since February, Stromsgodset has been actively engaged in various friendly fixtures to fine-tune their squad for the upcoming challenges. Unfortunately, their preparation hasn't gone according to plan, with the team performing poorly in their last three friendly matches. They suffered a 3-1 defeat to Odd, followed by a disappointing 3-0 loss to Sandefjord, and managed only a 1-1 draw against Fredrikstad in their most recent outing.

Molde: Oliver Petersen, Casper Oeyvann, Anders Hagelskjaer, Kristoffer Haugen, Martin Linnes, Mats Moeller Daehli, Eirik Hestad, Markus Andre Kaasa, Mathias Fjoertoft Loevik, Veton Berisha, Fredrik Gulbrandsen.

Stromsgodset: Frank Stople, Jesper Taaje, Gustav Valsvik, Fredrik Kristensen Dahl, Lars-Christopher Vilsvik, Hermann Stengel, Kreshnik Krasniqi, Logi Tomasson, Marko Lawk Farji, Elias Hoff Melkersen, Eirik Ulland Andersen.

Molde have indeed enjoyed superiority in recent encounters between the two teams, winning four out of the last five meetings. Stromsgodset, on the other hand, have struggled at Molde's venue, failing to secure a victory since 2013. Additionally, considering Stromsgodset's recent form, which has been less than impressive, the odds seem to favor Molde as the likely winner of this fixture. However, despite the potential dominance of the hosts, it's reasonable to expect Stromsgodset to find the back of the net, given their offensive capabilities and the likelihood of them getting a consolation goal.

• HT: W1 for 1.80 odds
• BTTS for 1.80 odds
• Over 2.5 for 1.60 odds