Shamrock Rovers v Molde: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Shamrock Rovers have a 1-0 lead to protect from the first leg when they entertain Molde in the UEFA Conference League play-offs on Thursday as they look to create history by becoming the first Irish side to reach the knockout stage of a European competition.

Michael Noonan's goal in Norway last week proved to be the difference as Rovers held on for a memorable victory, the 16-year-old firing home on 57 minutes as Stephen Bradley's team took advantage of Valdemar Lund being sent off for the hosts shortly before half-time.

After only missing out on automatic place in the last 16 on goal difference when finishing 10th in the League Phase, the Hoops have put themselves in a great position to progress through the play-offs.

However, Molde are the more established side in European competition and look set to overturn the deficit at Tallaght Stadium to end Rovers' dreams.

Shamrock Rovers v Molde betting tips and predictions

Half Time/Full Time - Draw/Molde - 10/3

The sending off of Molde defender Lund turned the first leg in Shamrock Rovers' favour and they will be desperate to defend their slender lead in Dublin with a last 16 place on the line.

It has been a UEFA Conference League campaign to remember already for the Irish side as they have beaten Larne, The New Saints and Borac Banja Luka in the League Phase, while also drawing with APOEL and Rapid Vienna.

They finished four points better off and 13 places higher than Molde in the table as the Norwegian outfit just about scraped into the play-offs thanks to a 4-3 Matchday Six win over Mlada Boleslav.

However, the match odds reflect the fact Molde are considered to be the superior team and more used to competing at this level of European competition as the visitors are 7/10 to win the second leg, while Rovers are 4/1, despite being at home.

Bradley's side began their League of Ireland season on Sunday with a 1-0 defeat against Dublin rivals Bohemians at the Aviva Stadium, while Molde have been playing friendlies so far this year as their domestic season does not get under way until the end of March.

The first leg was a tight affair with the Hoops clearly benefiting from Molde being reduced to 10 men and now the visitors will have to go on the attack in the Irish capital as they attempt to turn the tie around.

A similar second leg is anticipated with the play-off likely to be level at half-time before Molde's quality should tell after the break.

Under 2.5 goals - 9/10

There was just one goal in the first leg and in Shamrock Rovers' league clash at the weekend so another low-scoring affair is expected on Thursday.

Clear chances in the first game were at a premium, with Rovers managing just five attempts on goal, despite having a man advantage for all of the second half.

Molde's attacking output was restricted to only four shots and with what is at stake, the Irish side are expected to sit deep and defend at home on Thursday as they aim to frustrate their opponents' attempts to get back into the tie.

Frederik Ihler to score anytime - 21/10

Ihler was tipped to have a bright future at Molde after joining from Swedish side Landskrona BoIS in August.

He was somewhat surprisingly left on the bench by boss Per-Mathias Hogmo in the first leg but it could be the young Danish striker's time to shine in the Tallaght Stadium showdown.

Ihler starred for Molde in the League Phase, scoring four goals in six games, and with the Eliteserien outfit in need of goals in Dublin, the 21-year-old should get his opportunity up front.

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Shamrock Rovers v Molde odds

Shamrock Rovers - 4/1
Draw - 14/5
Molde - 7/10

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.