Molde look in for a difficult trip

Norwegian Eliteserien 6pm Monday

Stromsgodset and Molde will be disappointed with the way the first half of the Eliteserien season has gone in Norway.

Stromsgodset have probably got greater cause for concern as three wins from their opening 13 games is hardly a reason to be comfortable and even with 17 matches to go they will be mindful that they are just a point above the relegation zone.

Molde, meanwhile, are back under the stewardship of former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, who led them to two championships in 2011 and 2012 before an unsuccessful spell at Cardiff.

They finished fifth last season when they struggled for consistency and it has been a similar problem this term.

Hopes were high after winning three of their first four matches, but they then had to fight their way through a run of five games without a win.

Three victories in their last four have steadied the ship, but if they are to mount a challenge at the top of end of the table they need to get their act together on the road as they have won just one of their last six away matches.

Despite their indifferent start to the campaign, Stromsgodset are a tricky team to beat on their own patch.

Molde will be boosted by the fact they won 2-0 in August when Iceland striker Bjorn Sigurdarson, formerly of Wolves, was among their goalscorers.

But that was one of only two defeats Stromsgodset have suffered in their last 28 league home matches and the only one of those encounters when they have failed to find the net.

With two wins since the opening week of the season, the home team have a point to prove but they may not be able to keep the visitors out, so 3-1 that they win and both teams score could be a smart bet.

Recommendation
Stromsgodset to win and both teams to score
1pt 3-1 Hills

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