Molde vs Legia Warsaw
UEFA Europa Conference League
Knockout Play-offs
Thursday
15th February 2024
Aker Stadion
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Europa Conference League fixture between Molde and Legia Warsaw.
Molde vs Legia Warsaw: Preview
Molde form analysis
MFK had a bittersweet Europa League group stage campaign, mixing impressive performances with disappointing defeats. They began brightly against Bundesliga side Leverkusen despite losing 1-2 at home, with Breivik netting a late consolation after early goals from Frimpong and Tella. Molde built on that promising display by hammering Swedish side Häcken 5-1 thanks to a Gulbrandsen brace and goals from Eikrem and Bjørnbak.
Their form continued as they won 1-3 away at Häcken in the reverse fixture courtesy of more goals from in-form forwards Gulbrandsen and Eriksen. However, Molde then blew an excellent chance to qualify as they conceded late to draw 2-2 at home against Qarabag, despite another Eriksen double putting them ahead after falling behind early on. In the end, their progression hopes were ended after a heavy 1-5 home thrashing by Leverkusen, with only Kitolano’s late strike saving pride after the German’s shredded their defense through efforts from Schick, Tapsoba, Hložek and an own goal.
Legia Warsaw form analysis
Legia Warsaw began their European campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to AZ away from home. They struggled to create clear chances against their Dutch opponents. However, they bounced back with a 1-2 victory over Zrinjski in Bosnia, taking an early lead before conceding and then netting a late winner. Building on this, Legia Warsaw then secured an important 2-0 home win over Zrinjski to move into a qualifying spot. Goals from Augustyniak and Josué’s penalty ensured they regained control of their playoff hopes.
But a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa saw them lose ground as an early goal put them on the back foot. Needing a result in their final match, Legia Warsaw delivered a strong 2-0 victory over AZ at home. Yuri Ribeiro’s first half strike and a late Kramer goal secured a second place finish. While their form was inconsistent, picking up wins in must-win home matches showed their ability to perform under pressure. Overall, Legia Warsaw performed creditably in a tough group. While their away form let them down, solid victories on home soil ensured a place in the knockout rounds. With more consistency on their travels, they could pose a threat in the playoff matches.
Molde vs Legia Warsaw: Prediction
Over four goals were scored on average in the last seven Europa League matches at this venue. A similar stat can be observed in the visitors’ away conference League fixtures since the inception of this competition.
Only Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen have defeated Molde at home since 2015 in the Europa League. I don’t see the visitors with just a win in their last four European fixtures joining the esteemed list.
