Molde vs Sandefjord Preview
Molde host Sandefjord in what is a fascinating Eliteserien clash given the remarkable head-to-head record between these two sides. Sandefjord have been the dominant force in recent meetings, winning away at Molde 1-3, winning at home 3-0, claiming another away win 0-1, and winning at home 3-1 in previous encounters.
Molde will be desperate to arrest that head-to-head slide and will draw confidence from their explosive home performances this season. Sandefjord, however, have shown repeatedly that they know how to hurt Molde, and that psychological edge could matter in a tight game.
Molde Are a Goal Machine at Home But Have Been Wobbling on the Road
Molde’s overall form has been a tale of two extremes, with an away win at Bodo/Glimt 0-1 and a home win over Kristiansund 1-0 sitting alongside defeats away at Tromso 2-0 and away at Sarpsborg 2-1 in their last outing. The hosts are clearly capable of brilliance but have been leaking results when away from home.
At home, Molde have looked genuinely dangerous. They have beaten Valerenga 5-1, HamKam 4-1, and Rosenborg 2-0 on their own patch, with only a home defeat to Lillestrom 0-1 spoiling what is otherwise an impressive home record in the Eliteserien this season.
Sandefjord Have the Away Wins to Back Up Their Head-to-Head Confidence
Sandefjord head into this one having drawn at home with Fredrikstad 1-1 last time out, and their overall form includes home wins over Kristiansund 2-0 and Aalesund 1-0 alongside a defeat away at Lillestrom 3-1. They are a side capable of results but inconsistent when the quality of opposition rises.
Their away record is the concern though. Beyond their historic wins at Molde, Sandefjord have lost away at Lillestrom 3-1 and away at Tromso 3-1 in their last two away trips in the Eliteserien, suggesting their road form away from friendly venues has been shaky.
Molde vs Sandefjord Prediction
Molde to win and over 2.5 goals at 2.30 odds is the standout tip here. The hosts have been ruthless at home this season, putting five past Valerenga and four past HamKam, and Sandefjord’s leaky defensive record away from home suggests this could be an open game with plenty of goals.
Over 2.5 goals in the second half at 3.40 odds is worth a look as a speculative market. Molde tend to push hard in the second period when chasing games or pressing for a winning margin, and Sandefjord’s inability to keep things tight on the road makes late goals very likely.
Molde 3-1 at 12.00 odds is the correct score selection, reflecting the hosts’ explosive home scoring record and Sandefjord’s tendency to grab a consolation while still conceding heavily away from home.