Molde host Czech side Mlada Boleslav on Thursday, almost three weeks after the end of Norway's Eliteserien. This is another match rich in permutations for both sides, highlighting the added excitement that the new league table brings to UEFA competitions. Molde will start the match in the knowledge that only a win will suffice if they are to have European football after the New Year, while Mlada Boleslav will be playing with fire should they draw and require a number of other results to go their way.

With both teams wanting the peace of mind that a win brings, our analysis suggests that both will be set up to attack. Molde's veteran forward Eikrem is expected to return from injury, and with 16 goal contributions from 23 league matches this season he will be a big boost. Ihler, Brynhildsen and Eriksen have been picking up the work in his absence however, and Molde's attacking availability should be strong headed into this tie.

Just one of Molde's 9 Conference League matches in 2024 has seen less than 3 goals, and with an increased requirement for both sides to seal a win, this goal expectancy should continue on a high trajectory. After a slow start against Northern Irish minnows Larne, Molde switched to a more attacking style in the second half and saw off their opponents in a 3-0 win.

Mlada Boleslav have often deployed a back 5 in their matches against tougher opposition this season, but the repeated tinkering with formation is likely to see them adopt a more expansive approach here. The Czech side have had mixed fortunes in the league, and find themselves below expectations in the Conference League so far, needing a result to make it just to a poorly seeded playoff spot.

Having navigated three qualifying rounds, the Czech side have now played 11 matches in this year's Conference League. While just 5 of these 11 matches have seen three or more goals, the attacking impetus required to seal a comfortable spot in the table is likely to result in more expansive play. Mlada have created an average of 1.88 xG across their Conference League matches so far, and managed to score twice against Real Betis and once against Vitoria, two of the biggest sides in the tournament.