Arsenal vs Molde Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 03/11/2020, 07:53  by James | Modified on 03/11/2020 at 08:53 in Europa League Prediction

Arsenal play host to Molde at the Emirates in the Europa League on Thursday night. Both clubs took maximum points from their opening two matches with Arsenal top of Group B on goal difference. They followed up a 2-1 win away to Rapid Wien with a 3-0 home win over Dundalk. The latter result was flattering on the Gunners, who didn't really exert the dominance anticipated. However, they followed up this abject display with an accomplished performance in a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the league on Sunday. Molde, second in the group, kicked off their group stage with a 2-1 victory in Dundalk before beating Rapid Wien 1-0 on home soil. This will be the first meeting between the two clubs in European competition. While Molde have never played against English opposition before, Arsenal have faced Norwegian clubs on four previous occasions, winning three and drawing one.

We can expect a much-changed starting line-up to the one that took the field at Old Trafford. However, Mikel Arteta will demand greater application than what he saw against Dundalk. Molde have won their last six matches in all competitions and they should not be underestimated. The Norwegian side are unbeaten in their last three UEL fixtures but have a poor away record in the competition, failing to win eight of their last 11 games on the road. Slip-ups in the latter stages of last season's competition aside, Arsenal tend to be competent at the Emirates. They have won 13 of their last 19 home games in the UEL, only losing three times. A home win seems like the likeliest outcome here but we don't think Molde will submit easily. Back the visitors with a plus-two handicap.