In this HJK Helsinki vs Molde match preview, we delve into the exciting clash between HJK Helsinki and Molde in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying tie. Both teams are eager to make their mark on the European stage, and we provide a detailed analysis of their recent form, team news, possible lineups, and our prediction for the match outcome.
HJK Helsinki vs Molde: Match Preview and Recent Form
HJK Helsinki kicked off their Champions League qualifying campaign impressively with a 3-2 aggregate victory over the champions of Northern Ireland. Their narrow 1-0 home win, courtesy of Bojan Radulovic’s penalty, followed by a 2-2 draw in the away leg, secured their spot in the next round against Molde. While they face a challenging task ahead, having lost their last four ties in the second round of Champions League qualifying since 2015-16, their recent form suggests they are a formidable team to contend with. HJK has lost only one of their last nine games, and they will be keen to maintain their strong home record in Champions League qualifying, with eight wins, four draws, and two defeats in their previous 14 home games.
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On the other hand, Molde enters their first European fixture of the season with high spirits after an impressive 5-0 win over Sarpsborg in their domestic league. Eric Kitolano’s hat trick led the way to a dominant victory. Molde boasts an impressive unbeaten run of seven competitive games and looks to continue their winning streak as they head into Tuesday’s contest. Notably, Molde has a perfect track record in the second round of Champions League qualifying, winning all of their previous five ties.
HJK Helsinki vs Molde: Team News and Lineups
HJK Helsinki will be without the services of defenders Oliver Pettersson and Valtteri Moren due to injuries. Joona Toivio, a consistent performer, is expected to start in the back three, alongside Miro Tenho and Jukka Raitala. Additionally, Lucas Lingman, Pyry Soiri, and Bojan Radulovic are set to return to the starting lineup after being benched in their previous fixture.
For Molde, Martin Ellingson remains a long-term injury absentee with a knee problem. Eirik Haugan, who was on the bench in the last match, could feature alongside Martin Bjornbak and Anders Hagelskjaer in the Molde backline. The attacking front will be spearheaded by the in-form Eric Kitolano, who has scored five goals in the last three matches.
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HJK Helsinki possible starting lineup:
- Iliev; Raitala, Tenho, Toivio; Soiri, Lingman, Kanellopoulos, Ollila; Olusanya, Keskinen, Radulovic
Molde possible starting lineup:
- Karlstrom; Haugan, Bjornbak, Hagelskjaer; Knudtzon, Eriksen, Grodem, Breivik, Haugen; Kitolano, Brynhildsen
HJK Helsinki vs Molde Prediction
In this highly anticipated clash, both HJK Helsinki and Molde will be eager to secure a positive result in the first leg. Our prediction is a closely fought encounter, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw. HJK Helsinki will rely on their home advantage, but Molde’s recent form and impressive track record in the second round of Champions League qualifying make them a formidable opponent.
There is more different information on Germany betting exchange.