Molde vs Tromso - Eliteserien

A fascinating Eliteserien chapter awaits on August 16, 2026 when Molde take on Tromso at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Mason Mount has been outstanding for Man Utd in pre-season but he could still face fierce competition for a place in Michael Carrick's side next season.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: Molde sit 3rd, Tromso lie 4th, but the Eliteserien has a habit of defying such logic. Molde have been picking up results at a respectable clip, WWWWL over their last five with a season win rate of 55%. The visitors have been picking up results steadily, L over their last five with a campaign win rate of 50%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. Phil Foden was handed a free role in the No 10 position behind striker Muamba, who scored in consecutive pre-season games.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Molde will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Tromso will back themselves to cause problems on the break. But the Greek winger believes the mentality Arsenal are showing in pre-season is a sign they are ready to defend their crown.

When Amin Chiakha is on the pitch — 12 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Eliteserien's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. The midfielder set up Riccardo Calafiori for Arsenal's opener in their dominant Community Shield win over Manchester City with a superb assist.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. On balance, Molde look well-placed to claim all three points, and a 3-2 home win would not come as a surprise. With positions in the Eliteserien table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.