Arsenal vs. Molde FK Match preview
Arsenal are set to continue with their Europa League journey against Molde which will be held behind closed doors at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night, with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners gaining up real momentum.
The north London club celebrated their first victory at the Theatre of Dreams since 2006, breaking their long wait for a win at Old Trafford by beating Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday,
The duo; Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes played impressively, and Arsenal’s new-found defensive resilience seemed to restore hopes for the club, that this could be a long-awaited season.
But eyes now turn back to Europa action, with Norwegian Molde heading to the Emirates this week – and Arteta will want to see squad players pushing for starting roles.
The visitors, on the other hand, aim to build on back to back wins over Dundalk and Rapid Vienna, but they will have a much bigger pool to swim on against Arsenal.
Match Facts
- Arsenal have won all the UEFA Europa League for the new season campaign.
- There have been more than two goals produced during Arsenal’s played Europa matches.
- The north London side has registered a single clean sheet in their last two Europa League matches.
- The Gunners have registered two wins home and away from their last two Europa League matches.
- Molde have won all their two opening Europa matches for the season.
- The Blues have kept one clean sheet for the two played Europa League matches this season.
Arsenal vs. Molde FK Head to Head
The two teams have yet to face each other in a UEFA competition.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is likely and almost certain to rotate his squad following weekend’s tough clash against United over the weekend. Alex Runarsson is likely to replace Bernd Leno in goal, while Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka are likely to return to the midfield.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Nicolas Pepe, Shkodran Mustafi, and Eddie Nketiah were all on the bench on Sunday and are likely to start as well.
Pablo Mari Calum Chambers and Gabriel Martinelli are on the sidelines nursing injuries, but David Luiz is likely to return from a thigh injury he picked during defeat Leicester City.
Molde team news
Meanwhile, Molde will come into this game without Norwegian Kristoffer Haralfseid who is out with an injury. Erling Moe is expected to have a fully fit squad at his disposal having no known other issues.
Prediction: Arsenal win
Both teams have won their opening two group stages games in the Europa League, Arsenal boss has used the European games to give some opportunities to his younger players, with the likes of Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, and Joe Willock all greatly playing impressively.
On the other hand, Molde will come into this game as the underdogs, sitting second in the group despite winning all opening games. Striker Ohi Omoijuanfo has scored in both encounters and will be looking to continue his streak against the host.
Arsenal will be the favorites to carry the day and should emerge victorious as per their given quality and talent.
Our topbets pundit is predicting a win for the hosts for this match, Betway backing the results with 1.28 odds while 1XBet is giving 1.296 odds
Goals
Over 2.5 Betway 1.42 1XBet 1.44
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Football analyst! Biggest fan of local and international football. Mostly, loves keeping an eye on the upcoming players, always trying to bring debate on youngsters’ potential of becoming the next big thing in the world of football and of, course writing some pieces about them.
