Even if the domestic season went south for Molde this season, they have been a whole other team when playing in Europe so far. They have already qualified for the play-off stage as they lead Group A after a unbeaten run (3-1-0) and 10 points in four matches. It is without a doubt the biggest surprise that could happen in this group, and things are looking very bright for Molde ahead of next season already. The return of the legendary Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the manager once again has been a confidence boost for the players itself. His appearance has effected the whole city with as everyone knows what he stands for and the players know what he expects from them.
Molde finished 6th in Tippeligaen this season, but their form was stabilizing on a positive side with an unbeaten run to finish the latest five games (5-0-0). In addition to that, they beat Celtic twice in Europa League, both at home (3-1) and away (1-2) in two brilliant matches within the same period. Earlier they have beaten today’s opponent away (1-3) and got a draw against Ajax (1-1). Erling Moe replaced Tor Ole Skullerud after the summer and managed to turn thing in the right direction in Europe especially. Once Solskajer arrived, he has strengthened the right things within the team. The most important thing having their rhythm back as they find each other with quick passing and moving offensively, this creates enough space to either the left-back or right-back to move a long in the attacking play. With the names they possess upfront with for example Kamara, Elyounussi, Bakenga, Svendsen, this often make a lethal combination. They have no important missing towards this match.
Fenerbahce still have to fight with all their power in order to qualify for the playoff stage at the moment. They currently have the 2nd place though with five points from three four games. After losing against Molde (1-3), the went on with a draw against Celtic (2-2), a win against Ajax (1-0) before getting another draw against Ajax (0-0) in their last European game. They have been in great form in the domestic league lately with an unbeaten run over the last six games (4-2-0). They are coming from a good win against Mersin (1-3) which they totally dominated from start to finish, and the two stars Nani and Robin Van Persie were both able to get a goal each before travelling to the ice-cold conditions in Norway.
Defender Caner Erkin (5/0) is injured and will not be able to take part in the game, while defender Abdoulaye Ba (4/0) and midfielder Raul Meireles (7/0) are doubtful.
Molde has a lot to play for even if they are already qualified, as at least a draw tonight will give them the 1st place of the group no matter what happens in the last game. Fenerbahce (5 pts.) has 3rd placed Ajax (3 pts.) just two points behind them. 4th placed Celtic (2 pts.) has also a chance of getting the 2nd place with two wins from the remaining two games in the group. The game in Istanbul shocked the world and it was a very exciting game to watch. It showed that both teams were offensive minded, and Molde had no trouble on facing bigger names than usual. I expect a likely scenario tonight with both teams getting their chances. At least three goals should be expected tonight as well.
Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.81
