Preview: Molde vs. Bayer Leverkusen - prediction, team news, lineups

Molde will search for their first victory in the Europa League group stage when they host German outfit Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday evening.

The visitors currently sit top of Group H following the first gameweek and they will be aiming to continue their perfect start to the competition.

Match preview

Molde were narrowly defeated in their opening match of the Europa League campaign when they were beaten 1-0 by Qarabag FK as Leandro Andrade scored the only goal of the game.

Erling Moe's men have managed to react to that loss in a positive manner, though, having strung a three-match undefeated run together following that in all competitions.

Molde picked up a dominant 4-0 league victory at the weekend with goals from Kristoffer Haugen, Kristian Eriksen, and a brace by Magnus Wolff Eikrem which will have injected plenty of confidence into the group.

Considering it is their first home fixture of the Europa League this season Moe will want to see his team put together a strong performance to be resilient, particularly defensively.

With three points having the potential to take them to the top of the group there is a lot to play for here, with Molde aiming to keep themselves in contention.

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On the other hand, the visitors will believe that they can create a healthy gap at the top of the group, and will be hopeful that second-placed Qarabag slip up as well.

The German side were dominant in the opening group-stage match, defeating Hacken 4-0, and the fact they had different goalscorers for each one highlighted the attacking qualities that they have as a team.

Xabi Alonso's team have continued playing in that manner since then, picking up a 4-1 and then a 3-0 win in the Bundesliga, building the confidence that the team has.

Bayer Leverkusen have made a strong start to the season in the league, which is why they are currently top having not lost a single game, and that should bring plenty of belief to the team for their European adventure as well.

Considering the perfect beginning that they have had the visitors will be confident that they can take another three points and take one step closer to qualification to the next phase.

Team News

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Eikrem is expected to feature in this game for Molde after scoring a brace at the weekend as he aims to open his account in the Europa League as well.

Both Martin Linnes and Erling Knudtzon have been missing for the hosts as of late due to injuries, and that could be the case once again this week.

The visitors have been dealing with some injury problems lately as Arthur, Noah Mbamba, and Patrick Schick have all been on the sidelines, which will be the case again.

However, Granit Xhaka should find himself in the heart of the midfield on Thursday night, while Victor Boniface is expected to lead the line.

Josip Stanisic was used as a substitute at the weekend following a recent bout of illness, and after getting some minutes under his legs he could be in contention for more.

Molde possible starting lineup:

Karlstrom; Oyvann, Bjornbak, Hagelskjaer; Lovik, Hestad, Kasa, Breivik, Haugen; Kitolano, Eikrem

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:

Hradecky; Kossounou, Tah, Tapsoba; Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Wirtz; Boniface

We say: Molde 0-3 Bayer Leverkusen

Molde showed plenty of quality in the opening Europa League group game, but this will be a different kind of test against one of the strongest teams in the competition.

Bayer Leverkusen have made a perfect start to the season in all competitions, and with the attacking qualities that they have this should be a comfortable victory.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.