Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Following a shocking 3-2 loss to KFUM Oslo, Molde will be aiming to return to winning ways when they take on Silkeborg in the first leg of the Europa League second qualifying round. Molde are seen as favourites to win Thursday’s clash, but the Danes should not be underestimated. Midfielder Kristian Eriksen is back from the domestic ban, while both Fredrik Gulbrandsen and Veton Berisha remain in the recovery room.
Silkeborg, on the other hand, proved their worth in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sonderjyske at the weekend, but given their poor results in European competitions, home win should be considered. Molde are a more experienced side than Silkeborg and we predict that the hosts are going to showcase their worth on the field. Defender Alexander Busch remains on the sidelines with injury, but the 20-year-old should be the only absentee in the away team.
Highlighted Player (Magnus Wolff Eikrem ):
![Magnus Wolff Eikrem](https://footballpredictions.com/wp-content/plugins/fp-highlights/imageid/player/53008090.png)
Magnus Wolff Eikrem is a Norwegian footballer who was born in Molde on August 8, 1990. As expected, he started his youth career at his hometown club Molde in 2002, but four years later Manchester United scouts brought him to England. Eikrem returned to Molde in 2011, scoring six goals in 68 league appearances for the Blues in the Eliteserien.
After his spells with Heerenveen, Cardiff City, Malmo, and Seattle Sounders, the Norway midfielder made yet another return to Molde in 2018. Eikrem has been playing for the Blues ever since, establishing himself as one of the team’s key players.
Speaking of his international career, he scored two goals in 12 appearances for the Norway U21 team, while making his debut with the senior team in a 1-1 draw with Denmark on January 15, 2012. He replaced Markus Henriksen after 75 minutes. He is the son of former Molde footballer Knut Hallvard Eikrem.
Highlighted Team (Molde):
![Molde](https://footballpredictions.com/wp-content/plugins/fp-highlights/imageid/team/1353.png)
Based in Molde, Norway, Molde FK are one of the most successful Eliteserien clubs of the century. The Blues won their fourth domestic championship in 2019, with the team finishing the process 14 points clear of second-place Bodo.
However, Molde failed to defend their trophy the following season as Bodo looked unstoppable in the Norwegian top flight. Speaking of the Norwegian Cup, the Blues clinched their fourth silverware in 2014, with the team beating Odd 2-0 in the title game. The Eliteserien outfit play home games at Aker Stadion, the venue with the capacity of 11,249 spectators.
Thanks to a second-place finish in the 1998 Eliteserien campaign, Molde qualified for the Champions League for the first time ever. As a result, the likes of Real, Porto, and Olympiakos visited Norway. Molde are well known for their blue shirts and white shorts, with the team wearing white jerseys and blue shorts when playing on the road.