On Thursday evening, Molde will host Silkeborg at the Aker Stadion for the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round matchup.
Both teams secured their spots in this round through domestic cup triumphs last season.
Team Form
Molde
Molde, a consistent top-two finisher in the Norwegian Eliteserien for the past six years, experienced a dip last season, finishing fifth.
However, they salvaged their campaign by winning the Norwegian Cup, earning their place in the Europa League qualifiers.
Currently, they sit third in their domestic league, eight points behind leaders Bodo/Glimt.
Molde's recent form is promising, with a record showing three wins, two draws, and one loss in their last six matches.
Silkeborg
Silkeborg's recent history in Danish football is less decorated, with their only Superliga title dating back to 1993-94.
They finished in the bottom half in two of the last five seasons. Nonetheless, they secured their Europa League qualifying spot by winning the Oddset Pokalen last season.
They have started their current domestic season well, with a 1-0 win over SonderjyskE, giving them a boost ahead of their European campaign.
Team News
Molde
Molde is expected to make several changes following a disappointing 3-2 defeat to KFUM Oslo.
Key players like Magnus Wolff Eikrem and Kristian Eriksen, who have been instrumental with eight league goals each, are expected to start. Eriksen will return after serving a suspension.
Silkeborg
Silkeborg might stick with the same lineup that dominated SonderjyskE.
Last season's top scorer Alexander Lind is expected to lead the attack, supported by Tonni Adamsen and Anders Klynge, both of whom made significant contributions in their recent match.
Prediction
With Molde's home advantage and a stronger squad, they are the favorites to win this first leg.
Despite Silkeborg's positive start to their season, Molde's experience and form in European competitions could prove decisive.
Molde's offensive prowess, combined with their home ground advantage, suggests they will edge out Silkeborg in this encounter, but it is expected to be a closely contested match.
Molde 
Silkeborg 
