Bodø/Glimt vs Tottenham: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

The first leg of the Europa League semi-finals between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham was a lopsided affair. Brennan Johnson opened the scoreline within only 38 seconds for Spurs, and by the 61st minute, the Londoners already had a 3:0 cushion over the Norwegian champs. The late strike by Ulrik Saltnes gave Bodø/Glimt a much-needed lifeline before the decider at the Aspmyra Stadion.

Bodø/Glimt made history by being the first and only Norwegian side to make the semis of any major European competition. Kjetil Knutsen's team is playing good football at the moment, and no doubt they'll ‘go for it,’ as the head coach explained in his presser.

For Tottenham, it is a make-or-break situation. Their only shot at seeing silverware and making the Champions League next year is through the Europa League finals in Bilbao. It's difficult to imagine Postecoglou's side capitulating from such a favorable position, but they've been playing hot-and-cold all season long (mostly cold).

Bodø/Glimt and Artificial Pitch Form

I fully expect the Norwegian champions to give it a fair go, particularly considering their record at the home ground. Namely, Bodø/Glimt has six wins from seven Europa League games at home this year with a goal difference of +11. Roma, Lazio, and Porto all felt the sword of Aspire's artificial pitch.

But to make it into the finals, Bodø/Glimt have a steep mountain to climb. Not only is there a two-goal deficit to worry about, but they'll also have to play against history. All four meetings with the English sides ended in defeat, including one at home against Arsenal last year. Luckily, Kjetil Knutsen's side doesn't have domestic worries since the Norwegian top flight has only just started.

Bodø/Glimt Injury & Suspension News

The Norwegian side will see a boost in the faces of Andreas Helmersen, Patrick Berg and Hakon Evjen—all three suspended for the first leg. Defender Odin Bjortuft remains a doubt with a lingering injury.

Spurs Chasing Cup Glory

Tottenham Hotspur and head coach Ange Postecoglou are in deep waters. The domestic season has been a disaster—the Spurs are currently 16th in the Premier League and closer to the bottom of the table than the top—and lost all domestic cups.

Tottenham's only shot at making the UCL next year and hushing the negativity around the club is through the Europa League campaign. It's also their best shot of winning the first silverware since the 2008 League Cup.

Postecoglou's biggest worry is the away form. The Spurs have lost seven of their last ten away games in all competitions, a piece of data that sits in stark contrast compared to Bodø/Glimt's home form. But make no mistake, they are still very much in charge.

Tottenham Injury & Suspension News

Ange woke up to the news that skipper James Maddison might miss the rest of the season due to knee injury. He certainly won't be in contention for this game, but Dominic Solanke, Heung-min Son, and Dejan Kulusevski definitely are.

Bodø/Glimt vs Tottenham Prediction

Despite the home team's excellent form at the artificial pitch, I expect the Spurs to get the job done at the Aspmyra. But not without Bodø/Glimt throwing a good punch or two. The late goal in London puffed wind into their sails, and they'll be fired up for the occasion.

The Bodø/Glimt double chance at 1.57 is a good deal at Jackbit, and I'd even go as far as backing Bodø to win the game (2.60 at BC.Game), but Spurs to qualify. In any case, this should be one hell of a game.

CryptoGamba tip: Double Chance Bodø/Glimt – 1.57 @Jackbit