A tale of two teams experiencing very different starts to the season, with Rosenborg getting off to a flying start and Molde struggling at the bottom end of the standings.
Context and Form
Rosenborg approach Sunday’s clash at Lerkendal Stadion riding a wave of confidence, having made a perfect start to the Eliteserien season.
Three wins from three have propelled the Trondheim side to third in the standings, level on points with leaders Fredrikstad.
Their latest outing saw them secure a 2-0 victory away at Vålerenga, extending their winning streak and underlining their solid defensive credentials.
Molde, by contrast, are enduring a difficult opening to the campaign. A 2-2 home draw with Bodø/Glimt last time out means they remain winless after three matches, with just a single point to their name.
This leaves them languishing in 15th place, far below their usual standards. Their only away fixture so far ended in defeat, and they are without an away league victory since October 2024.
Head to Head Record
The recent history between these two Norwegian giants favours Rosenborg. The hosts are unbeaten in the last four Eliteserien meetings and claimed a 2-1 win when the sides last met at Lerkendal.
Over that period, Rosenborg have outscored Molde by eight goals to five, and Molde have not recorded a league win in this fixture since October 2022. Lerkendal has proved a fortress, with Rosenborg winning each of the last four encounters there.
Tactical Battle
Rosenborg’s early-season form has been built on defensive solidity and the ability to control games, particularly in the second half.
Their approach has seen them concede just one goal in three matches, while consistently finding the net themselves. Molde, meanwhile, have struggled both defensively and offensively, conceding at key moments and failing to convert chances.
They may opt for a more cautious setup, likely reverting to a 4-4-2 formation in an attempt to stabilise at the back and find a foothold in midfield.
What’s at Stake
For Rosenborg, this fixture represents an opportunity to maintain their 100% record and keep pace at the summit of the table.
Continuing their home unbeaten run, which dates back to November 2024, will be crucial as they look to reassert themselves as title challengers.
Molde, on the other hand, are desperate to halt their poor start and avoid being cut adrift at the bottom end of the table.
A positive result could provide the spark needed to revive their campaign.
Prediction
With momentum firmly on their side and home advantage, Rosenborg are well placed to extend their winning run. Molde’s recent struggles suggest they may find it difficult to contain the in-form hosts. Expect a competitive contest, but Rosenborg should edge it.
Prediction: Rosenborg 2-1 Molde.
