Molde vs Galatasaray prediction 23/08/2023

• Date: 23/08/2023
• Competition: UEFA Champions League
• KO: 20:00 UTC +1 / 21:00 CEST
• Venue: Aker Stadion (Molde)

UEFA Champions League qualification continues at the Aker Stadion on Wednesday as Norwegian champions Molde takes on Turkish visitors Galatasaray. 

Molde vs Galatasaray Betting Tips - BTTS

An intriguing qualifier with a place in the group phase on the line, Galatasary arrives in Norway as the clear favourites to progress.

However, the Turkish champions do not have a good record on their travels in Europe, particularly in Europe´s premier competition. While Gala did record a 3:0 win at Olimpija in round three, that away victory was their first in 20 away CL games since 2013. It should be noted that all but 2 of those 20 games did take place in the group phase and not the qualification process.

Conversely, Molde have a strong home record in CL qualifiers. Since 2012, Molde have lost just one of ten home CL qualifiers. However, the Norwegians have not previously qualified for the group stage. 

Still, this won´t be easy for the Turks. Molde have scored two goals or more in nine of their last 11 home matches, and while they needed extra time to see off KI in round three, I expect Erling Moe´s side to at least get on the scoresheet.

While I make Gala favourites to progress into the lucrative group phase of the competition, I expect a tight first leg in Norway, with the hosts capable of making this a tricky night for Okan Buruk´s side.

Ultimately, it´s tough to pick a winner here with Gala already showing away vulnerabilities this season, including a 2:2 draw at Zalgiris. With that in mind, I´m backing BTTS at the Aker Stadion in what promises to be a competitive contest in Norway.