Molde seek to progress to the Champions League playoff round when they host KI Klaksvik at Aker Stadion on Tuesday.
The Norwegian side have to turn around a 2-1 deficit from last week's result in the Faroe Islands to avoid making it through the third qualifying round.
Match preview
Molde travelled to the Faroe Islands intent on returning with a positive result; instead, Erling Moe's team were beaten 2-1 by KI.
Disappointing for the away side was the inability to hold on to Magnus Eikrem's 48th-minute strike, as they contrived to lose the game despite going ahead.
In their first appearance in Champions League qualifying in three years, MFK must turn the game around to avoid losing their chance at making it to the group phase.
Admittedly, they will have to navigate a sturdy opponent in the playoff if they defeat KI, but Moe's team will rather have that opportunity than miss out in the third qualifying round.
Molde overturned a first-leg away loss in the previous round against HJK — the Norwegian side claimed a 2-0 triumph at home after losing 1-0 in Helsinki — and a repeat will be just what the doctor ordered.
Standing in their way are KI, whose journey to this stage is undoubtedly remarkable.
They are set to become the first-ever Faroese team to compete in the group stage of a European competition regardless of Tuesday's outcome — exiting against Molde would see them drop into the Europa League playoff round, and losing that would place them in the Europa Conference League group stage.
After getting the better of Ferencvaros and sealing progress at Hacken's expense in the first and second qualifying rounds, respectively, Magne Hoseth's team seek another scalp this week.
Be that as it may, the Klaksvik-based club suffered a mild blow at the weekend when they were defeated by VÃkingur on Friday, ending a 22-month run without losing a league fixture.
That loss is not expected to hinder KI, whose historic Champions League qualifying campaign could get even better if they secure a stunning result at Aker Stadion.
- D
- W
- D
- W
- W
- L
Team News
Despite losing last week, Molde came out unscathed and avoided any injury in the 2-2 league draw with Sandefjord at the weekend, suggesting a similar side could be sent out on Tuesday.
Ola Brynhildsen and Kristian Eriksen's goals secured the win over HJK in the previous qualifying round, and both players could be pivotal to overturning last week's 2-1 loss against KI.
As for the visitors, Hoseth is not expected to change from the back five that has brought the Faroese side this far in qualifying.
Arni Frederiksberg's brace was pivotal in overturning last week's 1-0 deficit, and the forward is expected to keep his starting berth — the attacker's brace in Hungary was vital in claiming the 3-0 victory that helped to eliminate Ferencvaros.
Jonathan Johansson could face a bombardment by Molde and must present the best version of himself on the day to safeguard the away side's lead.
Molde possible starting lineup:
Karkstrom; Hansen, Bjornbak, Hagelskjaer; Linnes, Mannsverk, Eikrem, Haugen; Eriksen, Breivik; Brynhildsen
KI Klaksvik possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Danielsen, Faero, Vatnsdal, Forren, Joensen; Frederiksberg, Pavlovic, Andreasen, Kronberg; Kassi
We say: Molde 3-1 KI Klaksvik (Molde win 4-3 on aggregate)
Molde have won nine straight home games in all competitions since May, keeping six clean sheets in the ongoing run, and they should secure another victory on Tuesday to end KI's inspiring Champions League journey.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
body check tags ::
Previews by email
