Will Gala ensure a clear balance of power this time?
Breakaway for the lions from Istanbul: With the 3:2 in Molde Galatasaray has actually still overcome the difficult hurdle in Norway and thus made a big step towards the group stage of the Champions League. However, Midtjö’s winning goal came in stoppage time after an assist from team star Mauro Icardi.
At home, “Cimbom” is now no longer under pressure to win and can already secure the ticket for the group stage of the Champions League 2023/24 with a draw. However, bets on another victory for the lions are by no means out of the question – especially in front of a home crowd. Our Galatasaray vs. Molde tip is aimed at that as well.
So far this season, Gala have won each of their three must-win games at Rams Park. It is quite possible that the winning streak will be extended against Molde FK as well. This is supported not only by the Lions’ home strength, but also by the Scandinavians’ weakness away from home. Molde won only one of the last four games on foreign soil.
In the qualifiers for the top division, Molde even lost both away games. It is also therefore obvious to make a prediction on the Turkish host in Galatasaray vs. Molde. As in the first leg, a few goals can be expected.
Galatasaray – statistics & current form
Galatasaray came in handy the match-free weekend in the league. After the energy-sapping match in Molde, there was enough regeneration time before the return match in Istanbul. The Lions only need a draw to decide the playoffs in the regular season. A narrow defeat, on the other hand, would mean extra time.
In their current form, however, Gala should not find it too difficult. So far this season, the Turkish record champions have not lost a single competitive match. Cimbom has won five of its last six matches, most recently three in a row. At home, Galatasaray has a record of 3-0-0 and a goal difference of 4:0 after three home games in 2023/24.
If the next victory beckons, odds of 1.65 are paid out for a bet on the host from Istanbul in Galatasaray vs Molde. It should be noted that Gala has never lost a home match against a team from Norway. In two matches – against Rosenborg and Tromso – there was one win and one draw.
Is GS flexing its offensive muscles again?
In the first leg, the Löwen’s attacking department left a good impression – even without summer newcomer Zaha. The Löwen winger had taken a break due to injury. In his absence, Aktürkoglu and Akgün came into play. The latter left the team last week and has since joined Leicester City.
Because newcomer Tete will be available again in the return match, Akgün’s departure will be manageable. Against Molde FK, the Brazilian will be given preference, as Zaha was not nominated for the playoffs. Also missing is Ziyech, who was introduced as another new summer signing on short notice just last week.
Head coach Okan Buruk has no personnel worries to complain about. Lucas Torreira will also be available again for the second leg. The Uruguayan was suspended in the first leg and was replaced by Kutlu.
Predicted lineup of Galatasaray:
Muslera; Boey, Nelsson, Bardakci, Angelino; Torreira, Olivera; Tete, Mertens, Aktürkoglu; Icardi
Molde – statistics & current form
Molde FK has its back against the wall. After last week’s bitter last-minute defeat, progress and the associated entry into the group stage of the 2023/24 Champions League is now only difficult to realize. The Norwegians would have to win as underdogs in Istanbul to do so.
In the two previous qualifying rounds, Molde FK failed to win away from home. Neither against HJK Helsinki nor against Klaksvik KI did MFK prevail. Head coach Erling Moe’s team lost both away matches. Across competitions, the record doesn’t look any better on foreign soil.
The Blue and Whites have won only twice in their last seven away games. If you want to bet on the Norwegian guests in Galatasaray vs. Molde, you can get betting odds of up to 5.25
Weak record against Turkish clubs
The record against clubs from Turkey also speaks against a prediction in favor of the guests. Molde FK has won only once in a total of five matches against Turkish clubs so far. In contrast, MFK has lost a total of three of these encounters. It’s quite possible that their record against Galatasaray will deteriorate even further.
Head coach Erling Moe will at least be spared any personnel worries. Although his team did not make a bad impression on the offensive side, the weak defensive performance meant that a passable result was not achievable. If this is not improved in the second leg, it is only a matter of time before it rings in Istanbul for the first time in the box of MFK.
Bets on over 2.5 goals in the match are again not a bad option. In three of the last five matches, a forecast on it paid off after all. So also in the first leg, in which even the mark of five goals was cracked.
Predicted lineup of Molde:
Karlstrom; Ellingsen, Bjornbak, Haugan; Knudtzon, Breivik, Mannsverk, Eriksen, Haugen; Eikrem, Brynhildsen
Galatasaray – Molde Direct comparison / H2H balance
This is the second must-win duel between the two clubs. Last week, Molde FK and Galatasaray met for the first time ever. The Lions from Istanbul prevailed 3-2 in Molde with a last-minute goal, also leading the direct comparison against the Blue and Whites.
Galatasaray – Molde tip
For Galatasaray, the ticket for the group stage of the Champions League is within reach. The Lions only have to manage the good result from last week, and the home advantage comes in handy for the Turkish record champion. At home, they have won all of their competitive games so far this season.
In three home games, there have not only been three victories. Galatasaray also kept its clean slate in these three matches. The winning streak is now set to continue against Molde FK. It is possible that the first goal will be conceded at RAMS Park, as Galatasaray already stumbled against the Norwegian opponent’s offense in the first leg.
We nevertheless expect a one-sided match in favor of the Turkish record champion. Our betting odds for Galatasaray vs. Molde are 2.40 on “HT/FT: 1/1”. A stake of five units is quite appropriate for this. Molde has won only one of five matches against Turkish clubs so far. The best odds are offered by Bet365.
