Shamrock Rovers vs. Molde Prediction, Preview and Tips, 20/02/2025
As Shamrock Rovers prepare to face Molde in the first leg of the Conference League Round of 16 on 20 February 2025, fans can anticipate an intriguing contest at Tallaght Stadium. The match kicks off at 20:00, with Anastasios Sidiropoulos officiating.
After their victory in Norway, where 16-year-old Michael Noonan made history as the youngest scorer in European competitions, Shamrock Rovers aim to carry this momentum forward. However, Molde is the bookmakers’ favourite with odds of 1.71 for an away win, reflecting their superior form and international experience.
Expect overcast clouds with a chilly 4°C temperature setting the scene. Competitive edges like Molde’s habit of scoring most of their goals between the 76th and 90th minute and Shamrock Rovers’ defensive lapses, averaging 1.4 goals conceded per game, make this a crucial clash.
Our recommended bet is for Molde to secure another victory, continuing their confident streak this season and reflecting recent performances favourably in both halves.
Shamrock Rovers vs. Molde Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the recent form and statistics for both teams, our recommended betting tip is for Molde to win. Molde’s consistent performance and ability to secure victories in similar matchups make them the favorites. Shamrock Rovers’ struggles at home further bolster this prediction.
| Shamrock Rovers vs. Molde Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Molde to win | 1.71 |
- Molde has been performing confidently this season with a b track record in similar games.
- Shamrock Rovers have not won two of their last home games, indicating a recent dip in form.
- Molde’s frequent successes in away matches make them a reliable bet for securing an away win here.
Shamrock Rovers vs. Molde Match Preview
Match Details:
- Event: UEFA Europa Conference League Group Stage
- Date: October 13, 2023
- Venue: Tallaght Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
Shamrock Rovers:
Shamrock Rovers, currently sitting in the upper echelons of the League of Ireland Premier Division, come into this clash with mixed fortunes. Despite a respectable placement in their domestic league, their recent home form has shown signs of vulnerability. They have managed to secure just a single win in their last three outings at Tallaght Stadium, a worrying sign as they prepare to face a formidable European opponent.
Molde:
Molde, aiming to make a significant impact in the UEFA Europa Conference League, bring impressive momentum into this fixture. Occupying a b position in the Eliteserien, Molde’s form this season can be characterised by their solid all-around performances. Notably, they have demonstrated consistent prowess in away matches, with a b record that will give their supporters confidence ahead of this trip to Dublin.
Key Players:
- Shamrock Rovers: Graham Burke and Roberto Lopes will be crucial for the Rovers. Burke’s attacking flair and Lopes’ defensive capabilities will need to shine for the home side to have any chance of keeping Molde at bay.
- Molde: Watch out for David Datro Fofana and Ohi Omoijuanfo, who have both been influential in Molde’s success this season, providing the attacking impetus and finishing touch to secure valuable points.
Tactical Overview:
Shamrock Rovers will need to bolster their defensive strategy to counter Molde’s aggressive forward play, especially considering their recent home form. Manager Stephen Bradley might opt for a tighter midfield structure to disrupt Molde’s rhythm and capitalise on counter-attacks.
Molde, under the astute guidance of Erling Moe, will likely continue their approach of pressing high and maintaining possession. Their ability to transition swiftly from defence to attack could exploit any gaps left by Rovers, especially on the counter.
Prediction & Betting Tip:
Given the recent form and statistics for both teams, our recommended betting tip is for Molde to win. Molde’s consistent performance and ability to secure victories in similar match-ups make them the favourites. Shamrock Rovers’ struggles at home further bolster this prediction.
- Molde has been performing confidently this season with a track record in similar games.
- Shamrock Rovers have not won two of their last three home games, indicating a recent dip in form.
- Molde’s frequent successes in away matches make them a reliable bet for securing an away win here.
Whether the match lives up to expectations or delivers unexpected surprises, one thing is certain – it will add another vital chapter to the evolving stories of both clubs this season.
Shamrock Rovers Team Analysis
Recent Performance LWLWD
Shamrock Rovers have displayed a blend of mixed results in their last five outings:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bohemian FC | Shamrock Rovers | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Molde | Shamrock Rovers | 0-1 (Win) |
| Chelsea | Shamrock Rovers | 5-1 (Loss) |
| Shamrock Rovers | Borac Banja Luka | 3-0 (Win) |
| Rapid Wien | Shamrock Rovers | 1-1 (Draw) |
Despite securing two wins and one draw, the team has faced challenges, particularly in defence, as evidenced by conceding five goals against Chelsea. Shamrock Rovers have scored an average of 1.20 goals per game in their last five matches and have managed two clean sheets. Their recent away victory against Molde was a highlight, thanks to Michael Noonan’s historic goal. However, recent home struggles could pose a challenge for their confidence.
Shamrock Rovers Key Players
Shamrock Rovers’ squad boasts several key players who could make a difference against Molde. All eyes will be on Michael Noonan, the young prodigy who recently broke Romelu Lukaku’s record to become the youngest goal scorer in European competitions at 16 years and 197 days old. He’ll be looking to add to his goal tally.
The midfield trio of Daniel Mandroiu, Gary O’Neil, and Graham Burke will be crucial in breaking down Molde’s defence, while Roberto Lopes and Lee Grace will marshal the backline, aiming for a solid defensive performance.
Expected lineup for Shamrock Rovers:
- Goalkeeper: Edward McGinty
- Defenders: Joshua Honohan, Daniel Cleary, Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace, Adam Matthews
- Midfielders: Daniel Mandroiu, Gary O’Neil, Graham Burke, Dylan Watts
- Attacker: Michael Noonan
Shamrock Rovers Suspensions & Injuries
Shamrock Rovers are grappling with a few key injuries ahead of their match against Molde, which could affect their performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Rory Gaffney | Unknown | Unknown |
| Darragh Nugent | Broken nose | A few weeks |
| Jack Byrne | Muscle injury | A few weeks |
| Trevor Clarke | Leg injury | Unknown |
These absences might disrupt the team’s rhythm, especially in the middle of the park where Jack Byrne’s creativity and Darragh Nugent’s tenacity will be missed. Rory Gaffney’s and Trevor Clarke’s injuries reduce Rovers’ attacking options, putting more pressure on young Michael Noonan to deliver upfront.
Shamrock Rovers Tactics and Formation
Shamrock Rovers Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-5-2
- Key Forward: Michael Noonan
- Midfield Trio: Daniel Mandroiu, Gary O’Neil, Graham Burke
- Defensive Line: Joshua Honohan, Daniel Cleary, Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace, Adam Matthews
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in their last five games
- Notable Strategy: Anticipate a compact midfield and wing-backs pushing forward
Rovers will aim to leverage their solid defensive unit with a back five when under pressure, focusing on counter-attacks. With Michael Noonan’s recent record-breaking goal, his confidence will be key in leading the attack.
Molde Team Analysis
Molde Recent Performance LWLWL
Molde’s recent performances have been a mixed bag with a slight tilt towards inconsistency. They have secured two wins despite suffering three narrow defeats.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Molde | Shamrock Rovers | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Molde | Hammarby | 1-0 (Win) |
| Molde | St. Patrick’s Athletic | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Molde | Traeff | 6-0 (Win) |
| AIK | Molde | 1-0 (Loss) |
Recent Form: LWLWL
Molde have averaged 1.60 goals per game in their last five matches and managed to keep two clean sheets. This suggests a potent attack but occasional defensive lapses. While their scoring has been consistent, their recent losses indicate areas needing improvement before their clash with Shamrock Rovers. Key to their strategy will be exploiting Shamrock Rovers’ occasional defensive weaknesses, especially towards the end of the game, where Molde tend to score most of their goals.
Molde Key Players
Expected lineup for Molde:
- Goalkeeper: Jacob Karlstroem
- Defenders: Halldor Stenevik, Isak Helstad Amundsen, Valdemar Lund, Kristoffer Haugen
- Midfielders: Mats Moeller Daehli, Emil Breivik, Kristian Eriksen, Magnus Wolff Eikrem, Markus Andre Kaasa
- Forward: Fredrik Gulbrandsen
Molde’s key player to watch out for is Fredrik Ihler, who is the top scorer in this tournament for his team, boasting four goals. Magnus Wolff Eikrem will be crucial in the midfield, likely engaging in intense battles with Shamrock Rovers’ midfielders. Defensively, Isak Helstad Amundsen and Valdemar Lund form a solid partnership that will be vital in handling Shamrock Rovers’ attacking threats. The battle between Eikrem and Shamrock’s Michael Noonan might define the midfield play. Keep an eye on Karlstroem’s goalkeeping to maintain Molde’s clean sheet advantage.
Molde Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Casper Oyvann | Knee injury | Late February 2025 |
Molde will be missing Casper Oyvann due to a knee injury, with a potential return in late February 2025. This could impact Molde’s defensive stability, especially against Shamrock Rovers’ attack.
Currently, Molde have no suspensions affecting their squad, which means they can field a relatively full-strength team for this crucial match.
However, the absence of Oyvann might force changes in the defensive lineup, possibly affecting team chemistry and performance at the back.
Molde Tactics and Formation
Molde’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Fredrik Gulbrandsen
- Midfield Responsibility: Mats Moeller Daehli, Emil Breivik, Kristian Eriksen, Magnus Wolff Eikrem
- Defensive Backbone: Isak Helstad Amundsen and Valdemar Lund
Molde’s strategy often relies on a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, providing both offensive and defensive stability.
Key Forward: Fredrik Gulbrandsen spearheads the attack, making use of his movement and finishing skills.
Midfield Responsibility: The midfield quartet, including Mats Moeller Daehli, aims to control the game’s pace and link up play.
Defensive Backbone: With two clean sheets in their last five games, centre-backs Isak Helstad Amundsen and Valdemar Lund are pivotal in defence.
Notable Strategy: Molde tends to score most of their goals in the 76-90 minute interval, often catching opponents off guard late in the game.
Shamrock Rovers vs. Molde Head-to-Head Statistics
The recent head-to-head statistics between Shamrock Rovers and Molde highlight a mixed bag of results.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Molde | Shamrock Rovers | 0-1 |
| Shamrock Rovers | Molde | 0-2 |
| Molde | Shamrock Rovers | 3-0 |
Shamrock Rovers managed a narrow 1-0 victory in their most recent encounter, providing a confidence boost ahead of this match.
However, previous meetings show Molde’s dominance with significant wins in their earlier clashes.
These mixed results suggest a closely contested match, with recent form potentially tipping the scales.
Venue and Weather
The match will be held at Tallaght Stadium, a central venue for Shamrock Rovers with an approximate capacity of 8,000 spectators. This stadium’s intimate setting often creates a fervent atmosphere, which can be challenging for visiting teams.
The weather forecast for 20 February 2025 predicts overcast clouds with a temperature of 4°C. The humidity will be around 90%, and the wind speed is expected to be 1.72 m/s.
These conditions are likely to favor a slower-paced game. Neither team will be dealing with high winds, which means aerial balls and crosses might be more effective. The low temperature and high humidity could make the game physically taxing, especially in the latter stages. Both teams may opt for a strategic approach, focusing on maintaining energy and using substitutions wisely.
