Molde — Tromso : Match Preview and Prediction for August 24,2025

Molde’s Commanding Home Presence

Molde’s performance at home turf presents a stark contrast to their away games. While their last encounter with KFUM ended in a goalless draw, that was an away fixture where the team appeared lackluster. However, the dynamics dramatically shift when they play at home, with their attack firing on all cylinders and demonstrating formidable prowess.

Recent Home Game Performance Insights

A glance at their recent home fixtures reveals their potency. They secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Bryne, followed by a dominant 4-1 thrashing of Strømsgodset. Even in a narrow 1-0 win against HamKam, statistics highlight a much stronger offensive display: 23 shots on target and an Expected Goals (xG) metric of 2.09. This clearly indicates that the team generated enough chances for more than two goals, simply lacking clinical finishing on that particular occasion.

Molde’s Squad Challenges and Veteran Impact

Admittedly, there are some personnel setbacks. The absence of midfielder Kristian Eriksen due to injury and the suspension of forward Jalal Abdullai, who has netted 6 goals this season, are significant. Nevertheless, the squad still boasts experienced players such as Magnus Eikrem and Fredrik Gulbrandsen, who are perfectly capable of driving the attack and creating dangerous opportunities in front of the opponent’s goal, ensuring the offensive threat remains.

Impact of Key Player Departures

Tromso is currently navigating a highly challenging period, directly impacting their squad cohesion. Just a day before this match, their long-standing leader and club legend – Kent-Are Antonsen – departed. He was an incredibly crucial player, having represented the club in over 340 matches. Losing such a pivotal figure in midfield is a severe blow to the team’s overall organization and strategic play, creating an undeniable void.

Recent Defensive Vulnerabilities Exposed

This significant loss exacerbates existing issues within the squad. In their last league outing, the team succumbed to Brann with a 1-2 defeat, and earlier suffered a crushing 1-4 away loss against Rosenborg. These results highlight profound defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in away games against strong opponents. Furthermore, the participation of key defender Vetle Skjærvik is uncertain due to injury, adding to their defensive concerns.

Squad Instability and Transfer Rumors

The club is also currently surrounded by numerous transfer rumors and attracting considerable attention from top-club scouts for their promising young talents. The departure of key players like Jakob Romsaas and Yaw Paintsil this summer, coupled with ongoing interest in other footballers, creates a restless and unsettled atmosphere within the squad. It becomes exceedingly difficult to maintain focus and concentration when the team is in a state of constant restructuring and uncertainty.