The second leg of the 2024/25 Conference League playoff between Shamrock Rovers (Ireland) and Molde (Norway) will take place on February 20 at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. The first match ended 1-0 in favor of Shamrock Rovers. Shamrock Rovers vs. Molde: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Shamrock Rovers
Stephen Bradley's side stunned in the first game by defeating the Norwegians 1-0 on their turf. To advance to the Round of 16 of the Conference League, the Irish team only needs to avoid defeat at home. Interestingly, this is the first time in this century that the club has reached the playoffs of a European competition. It's also worth noting that the team has scored in all matches of the tournament's main stage.
- In their last seven Conference League matches, Shamrock Rovers have lost only once (4 wins and 2 draws).
- The number "1" appeared in the final scoreline in 6 of the last 7 games for the Irish in this European competition.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 13 of the club's last 16 matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Shamrock Rovers (3-5-2)
Edward McGinty – Lee Grace, Daniel Cleary, Roberto Lopes – Joshua Honohan, Dylan Watts, Matthew Healy, Aaron McEneff, Daniel Grant – Michael Noonan, Daniel Mandroiu.
Midfielder Dylan Watts and defender Daniel Cleary are out due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Midfielders Dara Nugent and Jack Byrne, as well as defender Trevor Clarke, are sidelined with injuries.
Molde
The Scandinavians did not capitalize on their home advantage and lost the first leg. This was largely due to a sending off in the first half. Now they need to defeat the Irish on their home ground by two or more goals. If the match ends in a narrow victory for Molde, extra time will be played. Notably, the team has failed to win 5 of their last 6 Conference League matches (1 draw and 4 losses).
- In Molde's last 16 European matches, there has been only one draw (7 wins and 8 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in 11 of Molde's last 13 games in this tournament.
- The club has not won the second half in their last six Conference League matches (3 draws and 3 losses).
Predicted lineup for Molde (4-2-3-1)
Jacob Karlstrøm – Valdemar Lund Jensen, Kristoffer Haugen, Isak Helstad Amundsen, Halldor Stenevik – Emil Breivik, Mats Dæhli – Kristian Eriksen, Markus Kaasa, Magnus Eikrem – Fredrik Gulbrandsen.
Defender Valdemar Lund Jensen is suspended, while defender Kasper Øyvann, forward Veton Berisha, and midfielder Johan Bakke are out due to injuries.
Referee
Anastasios Sidiropoulos (Greece)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 28;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.7;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 17%.
Shamrock Rovers vs. Molde: Match Prediction
Two seasons ago, these opponents met in European competitions. They played in the group stage of the Conference League, where the Norwegians secured two confident victories with clean sheets. In this edition of the tournament, the Irish are much stronger, while Molde has noticeably lowered their performance standards. The Scandinavians only managed two wins in the overall stage, defeating Larne and Mladá Boleslav, both at home.
Molde's away form is unimpressive. In their last four away Conference League matches, they drew with HJK and lost three times. It's worth adding that the team finished only 5th in their domestic league last season and missed out on European competitions. So, the current Molde is not the same opponent that occasionally excelled in European competitions, while Shamrock Rovers have a chance to reach the Round of 16. Notably, the Irish have not lost in three consecutive home Conference League matches (2 wins and 1 draw).
My prediction: Shamrock Rovers with a handicap (+1)
