Molde v Sarpsborg 08 – Eliteserien Betting Preview and Prediction
Today we are traveling to Norwegian league Eliteserien, where we will check out a clash between Molde and Sarpsborg08, who will go head-to-head at Aker Stadion in their 2nd h2h fixture of the season.
Molde enduring small setbacks
Molde are the favorites to win the Eliteserien for the 4th time and for the first time since 2014. Sitting at the top of the league with a 9-3-3 record, there are only a few teams that can match them, however, even Molde has seemingly ran out of steam. In the match against Brann on June 30th, Molde were the better side, but somehow ended the match 1:1. How exactly that happened is anyone’s guess, however, should Molde score a 58th-minute penalty, the final result would be much different. Following a disappointing draw and a missed penalty, Molde also managed to blow a 2:0 lead against Odd, who got themselves back into the game with a strong 2nd half. With two consecutive draws, Molde have come dangerously close to losing their no.1 spot in the league with both Glimt and Odd only a point behind. Additionally, we saw Rosenborg waking up and are now racing towards the top of the table with 4 wins in the last 5. With a few teams dangerously close to dethroning Molde, FK are aware that if there’s a time when they need to wake up and start performing up to par it’s now.
Sarpsborg looking for a way out of the relegation
Sitting at the 15th place in the league with a 2-7-5 record, Sarpsborg are a team that are capable of much more but somehow found themselves at the bottom. Looking at their most recent match against Stabaek, Sarpsborg performed admirably well and even got themselves in a 1-3 lead, but somehow blew it and ended up with only a draw following 2 goals of the home side in the last 20 minutes. What exactly is wrong with the team is anyone’s guess and while they do have the needed quality it seems like it’s the confidence that is keeping them down. In the end, I do believe they sooner or later get out of the bottom three, but considering their schedule, it might be later rather than sooner.
Verdict & Prediction
Molde know they desperately need to win the upcoming match, which is why we expect them to come into the match with all guns blazing. Considering this will be the last league match before a 2 week-long break, there is no reason to rest players for neither side, which is why we can expect to see the best XI of both sides. That, however, means Sarpsborg should get ready for a tough match at Aker Stadion, where Molde hold a 6-1-0 record and are one of the only 2 undefeated teams at home turf. Additionally, Molde hold an impressive GD with 19 goals scored and only 3 conceded. Sarpsborg on the other side are 0-4-3 in away games with 7 goals scored and 11 conceded.
There is a clear difference in the form and quality of the two teams. Molde might have slightly disappointed against Odd, and Sarpsborg did show some quality against Stabaek, however, when we draw a line, there can only be one winner here. Expect Molde to show no mercy and take down Sarpsborg to gain some momentum as they look to win their 4th league title.
Prediction: Molde -1.00 Asian Handicap
Odds: 1.84 SBOBET
